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How To Spend A Delightful Weekend In The Sweet Southern Town Of Abbeville

• Destinations
• South Carolina
• United States

Looking for a relaxed getaway where you can destress? Then head for the foothills of western South Carolina and Abbeville County with its fascinating history, natural beauty, and a host of things to do. Both the seat and jewel in the crown of Abbeville County is the charming laidback town of Abbeville.

The nearest airport is Greenville Spartanburg International Airport in Greenville . From there, it’s a 65-mile drive to the handsome tree-lined brick square that is Abbeville’s gently beating heart. Expand your wanderings and you’ll soon understand why restoration of Abbeville’s downtown district has garnered nationwide recognition and awards for small town revitalization.

One of Abbeville’s claims to fame is that it is the “birthplace and deathbed of the Confederacy.” Secession Hill saw the first meeting to consider South Carolina’s secession from the Union on November 22, 1860. Then, on May 2, 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis met with his Council of War for the last time to admit the defeat of the Confederacy and disband his troops.

Disclosure: Our thanks go out to the Lofts on Court Square , JP’s Food & Spirits , Blondies on the Bricks , and the Abbeville County Chamber of Commerce for their generosity in making our visit to Abbeville a true pleasure. However, all opinions are entirely my own.

Things To Do In Abbeville

Abbeville is a walkable town with a delightful surprise around every corner. Start by exploring the historic buildings in the square, lined with locally-owned shops, eateries, and other amenities housed in original brick buildings. Then let your feet take you to historic houses and churches. Later, you can get in the car and explore all Abbeville County has to offer, using the town as your home base.

Take A Walk Through Abbeville History

An excellent way to cozy up to Abbeville is with the Historic Abbeville Walking Tour, a self-guided wander into the town’s past. Pick up your free map at the welcome center in the square. Then follow its lead to the designated historic markers and discover Abbeville’s intriguing story at your own pace.

Take In A Performance At The Historic Abbeville Opera House

Constructed in 1906, this Beaux-arts, classic-style building, standing three stories high, is conveniently located on the square. But don’t expect chandelier-shattering areas. The 300-seat Abbeville Opera House presents local live theater and a variety of musical performances most weekends.

Restored to its former glory in the mid-1960s, the theater proudly shows off its scarlet and gold interior along with vintage posters from past performances. And if you believe in ghosts, the Opera House is alleged to be haunted on the upper level where the lights are located.

Pro Tip: The Opera House is wheelchair accessible and open to the public (except during rehearsals or performances).

Stroll The Campus Of Erskine College

If you enjoy meandering among historic buildings, the Erskine College campus is worth a wander. Most prominent among the campus’s structures is the domed, two-tower 1892 Erskine Building. The 1860 Georgian Revival-style Philomathean Literary Society Hall is the college’s oldest original structure.

Pro Tip: Be sure to drop into the Bowie Art Center and peruse clocks, mechanical musical instruments, glass, porcelain, and other entertaining displays.

Visit Trinity Episcopal Church

Founded in 1842, Trinity Episcopal Church was consecrated in 1860, just 3 weeks before the beginning of the American Civil War. Thanks to thoughtful restoration, community love for the church, and the fact that Sherman’s troops missed Abbeville on his notorious march to the sea, Trinity’s steeple still majestically soars 120 feet into the sky, welcoming local and visiting worshipers alike.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Trinity’s Gothic Revival-style and dusty rose exterior make it an unusual sight in a small town — and the interior holds even more surprises. Exquisite stained glass windows, original pews, and an organ that pours out heavenly sounding music make Trinity a piece of Abbeville history that keeps on giving.

Pro Tip: You can explore Trinity most Saturdays, when weddings or other events are not scheduled.

Tour Historic Houses

If you enjoy stepping into the past by stepping into historic houses, here are two Abbeville gems to explore:

At Burt Stark Mansion , within walking distance of the square, you’ll come upon the grand house where Jefferson Davis officially dissolved the Confederacy, and from where he fled to Georgia . This opulent two-story Greek Revival mansion dates back to 1841. Today, you can tour the home filled with antique furniture and other period items.

The two-and-a-half story, 1888 Queen Anne-style McGowan Barksdale Bundy House comes with all the bells and whistles. Towers, turrets, a multi-textured and multi-colored exterior, and windows that come in an assortment of shapes, sizes, and tints present an eyeful before you even walk through the door. Inside, you’ll find interesting features such as built-in furniture and a coffered ceiling. Abbeville County’s Historical Society headquarters is located in the house, and you can schedule a tour by appointment.

Dig For Gemstones At Diamond Hill Mine

Less than a 30-minute drive from Abbeville lies an ideal opportunity to dig for sparkling crystals at Diamond Hill Mine . Amethyst stones can also be found, but are not as common. You’ll need to bring your own sturdy gloves, digging implements, food, and drinks. Also be sure to slather on some sunscreen and wear a hat.

Pro Tip: The mine area has picnic tables, but no restrooms. There is an outhouse and porta-potty. The nearest gas station is several miles away.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors

Abbeville has many opportunities to get outdoors and hike, bike, hunt, fish, swim, and enjoy the county’s natural beauty. And all are a short drive from Abbeville. Calhoun Falls State Park is one example of the many options available.

Take a 10-minute drive from Abbeville, and you’ll find yourself in another world. Calhoun Falls State Park has everything anyone could want for a splendid day surrounded by nature. Take a short, leisurely walk on a nature trail. Play a game or two of tennis. Fish, swim, and frolic in Lake Russell. And of course, picnic. Then walk it all off on the 1.75-mile loop trail.

Engage In Some Small Town Retail Therapy

What’s a vacation without a little shopping? Abbeville will send you home with unique gifts and treats.

Simply browsing WolfTracks Gallery & Gifts’ treasure trove of one-of-a-kind Native American arts and crafts is inspiring. Unique jewelry, woven baskets, wood carvings, pottery, and more dazzle the eye and the fingertips with exquisite workmanship.

Breezy Quarters offers an impressive variety of natural skin care and home products. No-melt lip balms, naturally-scented soaps and lotions, candles, and even pet products will tease the senses and beckon you to treat yourself.

Restaurants In Abbeville

Abbeville’s population is approximately 5,000, but the number, variety, and quality of places to eat is more like that of a larger town. Take the following for example:

Located on the square in the Belmont Inn, JP’s Food & Spirits offers tasty, familiar dishes with a little flair and a lot of flavor. Try the chicken parmesan or the popular buttermilk fried chicken breast.

For breakfast or lunch, served with a reason to smile, all the offerings at Blondies on the Bricks are about, or named after blondes. Try the Spicy Blonde for breakfast. And for lunch, you might go for the Dolly Double Stack Southern Tomato Sandwich.

As soon as you enter Abbeville’s small downtown Daily Bread Bakery , you’ll find yourself enveloped in a warm cinnamon-scented olfactory hug. The cinnamon rolls are part of a large array of cookies, breads, and other fresh-baked temptations. Daily Bread also produces a tasty selection of gluten-free and nut-free options. 

Pro Tip: The bakery is only open Thursday–Saturday.

Hotels In Abbeville

The Lofts on Court Square is conveniently located on the square. This luxury furnished apartment comes with an antique but comfortable four-poster queen-sized bed in the bedroom, and a queen-sized pull-out sofa in the living room area. A well-equipped kitchen with dining area makes eating in hassle-free. The apartment also has a washer and dryer, and a 65-inch flat screen TV showing a crackling fire when you first arrive. The apartment is located on the second level of the building, up a single flight of stairs.

Built in 1903, the historic 26-room Belmont Inn on the square is a prime example of how Abbeville cherishes and preserves her history. From the 1825 reception desk to its original brickwork, everything you see and touch takes you back into the past. It’s no wonder the Belmont is included in the Abbeville Historic District listing on the National Register of Historic Places. No doubt, this helps keep the 30-plus playful ghosts reputed to inhabit the inn happy. The rooms are on the second floor, and there is an elevator, but the rooms themselves are not ADA-accessible.

Pro Tip: The best times to visit Abbeville are spring and fall. Winter is also good, but if you can’t tolerate high temperatures and humidity, you might want to avoid a mid-summer trip.

If you enjoyed reading about Abbeville, check out these other charming South Carolina destinations:

• 13 Amazing Experiences On Daufuskie Island
• How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Charming Aiken, South Carolina
• Fantastic Things To Do In Beautiful Greenwood, South Carolina — Plus Where To Eat

Penny Zibula has been a freelance writer and blogger since she retired in 2013. Her background is in public relations and community outreach, with stints as a newspaper reporter, television talk show host, and producer. She applies her life-long love of learning and passion for travel to her writing about destinations, history, culture, food, and accessibility.

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Downtown Abbeville Self-Guided Walking Tours

Take a leisurely, self-guided walking tour of historic downtown Abbeville. There are several National Historic Properties, historic sites and architecture that can be seen as you walk through our beautiful downtown streets. Some of our popular restaurants are located along the tours so you can grab a bite to eat as you tour! Downloadable link coming soon!

McGowan Barksdale Bundy House

To schedule a tour please call the Abbeville County Historical Society at 864.366.8193.

The Abbeville County Historical Society is pleased to offer personal narrative tours of the McGowan Trails.  The tour features an in-depth historical examination of the McGowan-Barksdale-Bundy House,  including the intricate architectural features of the interior and exterior house, as well as each of the main three levels of the house, the three servant cabins and Heritage Gardens .

The tour also includes a background historical narrative of Confederate General Samuel McGowan and WWII General William E. Barksdale, the two generals that once resided in the home. Also included in the Trails Tour are stops at General McGowan’s first home on Magazine Street, the Law Range near the Abbeville Square, Trinity Episcopal Church, and General McGowan’s final resting place in Long Cane Cemetery on SC Highway 20, just outside of the Abbeville city limits.

Abbeville County Museum

This 1854 building, which was originally the Abbeville Jail, now houses the Abbeville County Museum. Come explore a wide selection of important Abbeville history and unique collectibles from historic Abbeville County.

Open most Saturdays and by appointment. 309 Poplar Street Abbeville, SC 29620 864.378.0772

To schedule a tour please call the Abbeville County Historical Society at 864.378.0772.

Capital of maritime Picardy , the city of Abbeville boasts a magnificent building of Flamboyant Gothic style, the Saint-Vulfran collegiate church, with a magnificent carved facade.

Also to be visited: Saint-Sépulcre church, which features beautiful contemporary stained glass windows by Alfred Manessier, and the Château de Bagatelle with its French-style formal garden and landscaped park.

Additional information Abbeville

Historic capital of maritime Picardy, Abbeville is only 25 kilometers from the English Channel and the Bay of Somme . The beautiful city, endowed with rich historical monuments, is crossed by the Somme. Between urbanism and nature, the town has found its balance. And it is in an exceptional natural setting that shines the city, a real jewel in a green setting. It is in 831 that the commune appears for the first time in the historical writings. But the site was occupied long before, since Jacques Boucher of Perthes found traces of the Pleistocene there. The Middle Ages were marked by territorial wars. Sometimes under the English leadership, sometimes turning French again, the city underwent terrible torments. If the First World War spared the city, the second was fatal to its beautiful corbelled houses. Greatly destroyed, the town has rebuilt a new face.

Things to see and do

Despite all the twists and turns of history, Abbeville retains a remarkable historical heritage. The magnificent Saint-Vulfran collegiate church is a masterpiece of Gothic art on the theme of the Trinity. The imposing building is definitely worth the detour, both for its architecture and the treasures it houses. The church of Saint-Sépulcre, for its part, dates from 1098. Built at this time in support of the crusades led by Godfrey de Bouillon to deliver the tomb of Christ, the building is a remarkable architectural work. The church also has splendid stained glass windows on the theme of the victory of life over the anguish of death.

During your visit to Abbeville, you absolutely must visit the Boucher de Perthes museum. Dedicated to the Father of Prehistory, this museum brings together two collections: that of the Boucher family and that of the Fine Arts. During your walk in the city, you will certainly pass in front of the belfry. This high guard tower stands out with its dominant presence, some 19 meters high. Continuing, you will see the Carmel and its gardens. This unique architectural ensemble dating from 1821 housed the nuns until 1998. You will continue your tour through the Château de Bagatelle and its delightful French and English gardens. Dating from the 18th century, the building still houses period furniture. A visit to the Saint-Gilles church is also a must-see in Abbeville. Built between 1485 and 1528, the building was completely restored in 1860 in a neo-Gothic style. Once again partially destroyed in 1940, it was rebuilt and adorned with a contemporary style inside. It is listed as Historic Heritage.

To discover Abbeville, two circuits, to discover the heritage, are offered to you. You will therefore be able to not miss anything of the prestigious buildings that dot the town. For nature breaks, four parks open their doors to you. Bouvaque Park has two large lakes and allows you to discreetly observe wildlife from its observation huts. The Emonville garden will delight you with its rare species of trees such as the sequoia. The 2 bridges garden is an English garden with more than 500 perennial plant species. The Jardins de la Plume are a group of nature enthusiasts, eager to help you discover the environment through workshops and activities.

To discover the surrounding nature, you will have the choice between hiking and cycling on the marked trails. You can also discover Abbeville by air in a microlight or a tourist plane. Unless you prefer to explore the trails on horseback! You choose. And to relax, the Abbeville golf course presents its green.

Guided tours and workshop tours offered during the All Saints’ Day holidays.

Places of interest

Events and festivities.

There is no shortage of demonstrations in Abbeville.

It all starts in February with the current music festival. In March, the blues invade the city with the Nuits du Blues. In April, birds and the environment are in the spotlight with the Bird and Nature Festival . Educational outings and conferences are on the program. In May, amateur and professional choirs make their voices heard with the international festival of choirs and voices. In June, sport is in the spotlight. The cycling night brings together lovers of the little queen. This is followed by the Bruno Willecoq Memorial bringing together professional and amateur runners. In July, hip-hop takes to the city's stages with Hip-Hop Impact. In August, Abbeville Summer Groove gets the city dancing.

Exhibition outside the walls of the Belfry Boucher Museum of Perthes - Manessier in Carmel.

In July and August, guided tours offered by the Heritage Center. €4 per adult - Duration: 1 hour Information and reservation required with the Public Service on +33 3 22 20 29 69.

National Architecture Day in October.

Exhibitions throughout the year.

Naturalist exhibition as part of the Bird and Nature festival in April.

European Night of Museums at Abbeville in May.

Detailed information

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Related articles Abbeville

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Louisiana (LA) » 15 Best Things to Do in Abbeville (LA)

15 Best Things to Do in Abbeville (LA)

Settled by Acadians in the 19th century, Abbeville is a pretty town on the Vermilion River, with landmarks traced by historic live oaks.

Abbeville is in the middle of the Cajun Corridor byway, and you can stop at museums celebrating Cajun culture and recalling the deportation of the Acadians from Nova Scotia in the mid-18th century.

Cajun food is central to Abbeville’s charm, and there are few better places for oysters, crawfish and beloved Cajun preparations from gumbo to étouffée and even fried alligator.

Abbeville has some first-class events, and you might find yourself tapping your toes to live music under the twisting oak branches at Magdalen Square in spring, or watching a team of chefs in toques blanches making a 5,000-egg omelette in November.

Abbeville’s Cajun heritage manifests itself in many ways, and not least in the rich and exciting food culture.

There are more high-quality Cajun and Creole-infused eateries in and near Abbeville than you could possibly fit into one trip.

This close to the coast, you’ll be near the very source of many regional signatures, from crawfish and oysters in season, to crawfish étouffée, gumbo, fried catfish, crab cake, fried alligator, po-boys and many more.

A few spots to keep in mind are SHUCKS! (701 W Port ST), Dupuy’s Seafood and Steak (108 S Main St), RiverFront (530 Park Ave), Richard’s Seafood Patio (1516 S Henry St) and Cajun Claws (1928 Charity St).

2. Magdalen Square

The space that ties downtown Abbeville together is beautiful Magdalen Square. This plaza is enclosed by a low wall and has dense tree cover from its historic live oaks, giving a lot of shade to its cluster of benches.

There’s a sweet gazebo here, as well as a central fountain. No surprise that this is the location for Abbeville’s many community events, including a bustling farmers’ market on Saturday mornings, so popular that there’s a waiting list for vendors.

You can catch live music most weeks at the market, as well as during the Sounds of the Square concert series on Thursday evenings.

This article will talk about some of the attractions within walking distance of the Magdalen Square, but on the south side is Magdalen Place event center, while Concord St leads you east to the Vermilion Parish Courthouse (1952), with a pair of giant live oaks standing sentinel.

3. Abbeville Cultural & Historical Museum & Art Gallery

On the north side of Magdalen Square, the Veterans Memorial Building is a few things rolled into one. First off, this is a visitor center and gift shop for Vermilion Parish, and the ideal place to begin your Abbeville experience.

There’s much more to see, including a series of enthralling permanent displays. These tell the story of Le Grand Derangement, of Acadian people from Nova Scotia in the 18th century, and document other aspects of local history.

One must-see is the Morgan Effigy, discovered in a Native American mound and carved from a deer antler in the 10th century CE.

You can also admire rotating art exhibits, updated five times a year, featuring local talent and exploring themes like the swamps and African American history.

4. Palmetto Island State Park

There’s a protected expanse of South Louisiana nature, an easy drive south of Abbeville. Palmetto Island State Park gets its name from the dense layer of dwarf palmettos under the cover of coastal bottomland hardwood forest.

From the visitor center you can see this habitat along a walking trail three quarters of a mile long. If you’re here with children, they’re sure to love the large splash pad at the visitor center, a must in summer.

You can stay overnight in this unforgettable environment, with 96 campsites and six vacation cabins provided. The park is also a paradise for paddling, either along the Vermilion River via a boat launch or in the serene interior lagoons.

5. Depot at Magdalen Place

For a glimpse of the city’s industrial past you can check out the relocated Abbeville freight depot, raised in 1894.

Now found a block south of Magdalen Square, this wood-frame structure was previously next to the Vermilion River and is accompanied by two cabooses.

The building now contains a small visitor information post, as well as a gift shop selling authentic local and Cajun items.

There’s a small but diverting display on Abbeville’s railroad history, endowed with some interesting memorabilia.

6. Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum

At 304 S State St downtown, you’ll come across a building that is clearly from a different time. Dating from around 1913, this is the Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop, which was originally located where the Abbeville freight depot is now.

This business, in a wooden shack with a dirt dloot, survived for much longer than you might expect, only closing in 2004.

Some of the items crafted or repaired at this place were cattle brands, tractor components and stretchers for muskrat and nutria hides.

There’s a display of historic tools inside, which is like a time machine, taking you back to Abbeville a century ago. If you’re just passing by there’s a detailed information board out front.

7. St. Mary Magdalen Church

On the west side of Magdalen Square, another abiding part of the Abbeville townscape is the spire of St. Mary Magdalen Church.

Built from brick in a Gothic Revival style, with Romanesque Revival flourishes, this is the fourth Catholic place of worship on the site, and was completed in 1920.

If you’re interested in the building’s architecture, fixtures and liturgical art, head inside to view the 18 Ionic and Corinthian column capitals, as well as the oak ciborium in the apse, depicting Christ and the twelve apostles.

Also noteworthy are the Carrera marble side altars with images of Mary and St. Joseph, and the European-crafted stained glass windows lining the nave, portraying the church’s saints and scenes from the life of Jesus.

The adjoining cemetery dates back to c. 1844, while the Foursquare rectory building is from 1921.

8. C.S. Steen’s Syrup Mill

Abbeville is wrapped in sugarcane fields, and one of many special things about the town is that there’s an open-kettle sugarcane syrup mill still operating a block west of Magdalen Square downtown.

Set next to Abbeville’s hydro plant (1922) and opposite the cemetery, C.S. Steen’s Syrup Mill has been in business since 1910. Steen’s 100% Pure Cane Syrup has been a staple of South Louisiana kitchens for well over 70 years now.

After five generations the mill continues to use the open kettle method, and you can head across to check out the yellow Steen-branded tanks.

Tours of the mill had been available until recently, and when we wrote this article there were plans to open a visitor center here.

The proprietors have been known to greet visitors on an informal basis, sharing the company’s history and complimentary bottles of syrup.

9. Rip Van Winkle Gardens

About 15 minutes east along LA 14 you’ll arrive at Jefferson Island, one of several salt domes in the area.

An accumulation of rock salt, these large, wooded formations rise abruptly from the low-lying landscape, with salt deposits that descend miles deep into the earth.

In 1870 the renowned stage actor Joseph Jefferson (1829-1905) chose Jefferson Island for his grand Late Victorian home, serving as a painting studio and hunting lodge.

This residence sits among gorgeous semi-tropical gardens, also featuring Rip’s Rookery, a man-made wetland providing a safe habitat for thousands of nesting wading birds.

You can take a tour of the Jefferson House, still adorned with paintings by Joseph Jefferson. Café Jefferson here is one of the best Cajun restaurants in the area, with views of Lake Peigneur.

This 1,100 acre body of water has an interesting story, and accidentally became the deepest lake in Louisiana in 1980 when oil drilling caused a salt mine under the lakebed to fill with water, swallowing dozens of acres of land.

10. Acadian Museum of Erath

Ten minutes east and you’ll be in the little town of Erath, and it’s a trip worth making to visit this compact museum downtown.

The Acadian Museum of Erath gives some insight into the Acadians who settled this area following their expulsion from Nova Scotia in the 1760s and 1770s. There are five rooms of bilingual French-English exhibits to browse.

Of particular interest is the Acadian Room, presenting four centuries of rare artifacts and going into depth on Joseph Broussard (1702–1765) who led the first wave of 200 Acadians, arriving in Louisiana aboard the Santo Domingo in 1765.

Also significant is the Queen’s Royal Proclamation Room, documenting the signature of the Royal Proclamation by the British Crown in 2003, which acknowledged the wrongs committed against the Acadians in the 18th century and established July 28 as Day of Commemoration of the Acadian Deportation.

11. Louisiana Military Museum

Out at Abbeville Chris Crusta Memorial Airport in the east of the city is a free museum at the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame.

Inside and outside this attraction you can view a range of hardware including tanks, artillery, armored personnel carriers, artillery, jeeps, a helicopter and a preserved Higgins boat.

This is all combined with information boards, field equipment, uniforms, small arms, photographs, correspondence, flags, medals and a big cache of other memorabilia.

At the time of writing, the museum was undergoing improvements and could be visited by appointment only.

12. AA Comeaux Park

Abbeville’s largest public park is a few blocks south of downtown, and is a go-to for active recreation.

There’s a skate park, a dozen baseball fields, soccer fields, eight tennis courts, rec center and a walking path about a mile in length.

If you’re here with youngsters the park has fantastic, recently updated play areas, including a brand new splash pad.

AA Comeaux Park also has several rentable shelters, including grills, for birthday parties and family reunions.

13. Lafitte Cinema

There’s a first run multiplex at Lafitte Mall shopping center, less than five minutes east of downtown Abbeville. This spot has a bit of history, as the setting for Abbeville’s former drive-in theater.

Lafitte Cinema’s proximity to the heart of Abbeville is one of its best qualities, but this is also a cozy and friendly place to watch a movie, equipped with all-digital projection and sound in its four auditoriums.

There are specials on all matinees (all shows before 4:30pm) and advance tickets are available for all movies during normal box office hours.

14. Giant Omelette Celebration

South Louisiana has a lot of eccentric public celebrations, but even by those standards, the two-day Giant Omelette Celebration in downtown Abbeville is something special.

This colorful gathering takes place over the first weekend in November As you might gather, the iconic event on the Sunday involves a team of chefs from around the world teaming up around a 12-foot skillet to cook a 5,000-egg omelette.

There’s also a Jr. omelette, with a mere 600 eggs in a 4-foot skillet. The celebration kicks off on Saturday at Magdalen Square, with two days of arts and crafts, live music, a kids’ zone, dance performances, classic cars and crazy competitions like an egg-cracking contest.

15. Sicilian Celebration

At the turn of the 20th century there was a big wave of immigration from Sicily to New Orleans.

For many families, NOLA wasn’t the final destination, and many settled in the Vermilion Parish, where names like Guzzardo and Campisi are still common.

Since 2019, Abbeville has celebrated this aspect of its heritage with a free program of activities at the Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum & Heritage Center.

At the core of the event is a cooking contest, and there’s also imported wine and beer, pizza, muffalettas, live music and free guided tours of the Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum.

15 Best Things to Do in Abbeville (LA):

• Magdalen Square
• Abbeville Cultural & Historical Museum & Art Gallery
• Palmetto Island State Park
• Depot at Magdalen Place
• Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum
• St. Mary Magdalen Church
• C.S. Steen’s Syrup Mill
• Rip Van Winkle Gardens
• Acadian Museum of Erath
• Louisiana Military Museum
• AA Comeaux Park
• Lafitte Cinema
• Giant Omelette Celebration
• Sicilian Celebration

• Explore Abbeville
• Visit Abbeville County
• History of Abbeville County
• Places to See
• Things to Do
• Mission Statement
• Board of Directors
• Become A Board Member
• Member Benefits
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The site for the City of Abbeville was chosen on land once owned by Revolutionary War General, Andrew Pickens. The village grew up in the late 1700s around a freshwater spring Pickens donated as a public source of water, which is now located behind the present day Court House.

Abbeville is the county seat and the right hand side of the square is dominated by a pair of handsome red brick buildings, both built in 1908. One is the present day Court House and its neighbor is the elegant Opera House and City Hall. Traveling theater groups performing here in the early 1900s helped establish the town as a southeastern cultural center, with appearances by such stars as Sarah Bernhardt and Jimmy Durante. After closing in the 1950s, the Opera House was completely restored in 1968 and now boasts 45 weekends of live theater once again.

Across the street from the Opera House is the Belmont Inn. The “Eureka”, as it was then called, opened its doors in 1903 as the “thirty thousand dollar hotel”, to serve everyone from railroad men and salesmen to travelling performers. After closing down in 1972, the hotel was fully restored and reopened in 1984 as the Belmont Inn, once again catering to visitors, businessmen and Opera House patrons. This 26-room hotel is very special with its unique combination of turn-of-the century elegance and all the modern business facilities such as a four star restaurant, lounge, meeting rooms, fax, cable TV, etc.

Opposite the Court House is the extensively renovated Old Bank Building (c.1865) which houses the new Welcome Center and Greater Abbeville Chamber of Commerce. This is the starting point for the various walking tours around Abbeville’s large Historic District, which encompasses Secession Hill, the site of the first secession meeting, and about 300 other buildings and Victorian homes. Among the highlights is the Bundy-Barksdale-McGowan House, and several fine churches such as historic Trinity Episcopal Church (1860) noted for its Gothic Revival architecture. One of the district’s main attractions is the Burt-Stark Mansion, a gracious antebellum home built about 1841. This house is most famous for being the site of Jefferson Davis’ last war council in 1865 lending Abbeville its title, “deathbed of the Confederacy”.

Abbeville has been home to many influential people. Famed American statesman, John C. Calhoun, launched his public career on the square. Here, too, there is a memorial to “The Major of St. Lo”, Thomas D. Howie, a national hero from World War II whose boyhood home is on East Pinckney Street. This town was also home to Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, one of the founders of the African Methodist Church and nineteenth-century black leader.

Although this is a place rich in history, Abbeville is very much alive, a dynamic and innovative town, which looks to the future as well as preserving the past. Standing next to the Confederate Monument in the gracious, tree-lined square, the town fans out in all directions towards Gothic-style churches and Victorian homes. The historical facades of the specialty and antique shops give the square a quiet charm which belies the fact that this is still the heart of a bustling downtown business district. Restoration of its downtown district has won the city nationwide recognition and awards for small town revitalization. The end of 1996 saw the completion of their latest restoration project in which the old Hospital Building was completely renovated, through a public/private partnership, and opened as an apartment complex. These endeavors reflect Abbeville’s continuing vitality and its success at being a thriving modern community in a historical setting.

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Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Abbeville, south carolina.

Abbeville (population 6,000) brings to life a bygone era through its mixture of Old South charm and European heritage. Scots-Irish settlers who came from Pennsylvania by way of Virginia were among the first settlers around 1758, followed by French Huguenots. Abbeville County was created in 1785, and the village of Abbeville was incorporated in 1832, serving as the county seat. Abbeville became the regional center of agriculture, commerce, and culture.

The community played a key role during the Civil War and is called the “Birthplace and Deathbed of the Confederacy.” The first mass meeting calling for the state’s secession from the Union took place here in November 1860, and in 1865 Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his war cabinet met for the last time in Abbeville’s National Historic Landmark Burt-Stark Mansion and dissolved the Confederacy.

Following the difficult Reconstruction years, the 1800s ushered in a period of prosperity, due in large part to the building of the Georgia, Carolina & Northern Railroad around 1890, when Abbeville became an overnight stop on the New York-Atlanta route. The construction of Abbeville Mills marked the city’s first venture into industrialization.

Abbeville evokes a sense of times past, with a restored square, many preserved 19th century homes, commercial buildings, and churches, and its attractions also include an arts center, recreational areas, state parks, and lakes. Within the recent past, many Mennonite families have moved to the area to take advantage of its rural setting and culture. Abbeville also attracts an increasing number of retirees attracted by a slower pace of day-to-day living.

Among the city’s numerous historical sites is the Abbeville Opera House, which has been restored to its 1908 glory and continues to produce shows. The Abbeville County Museum is in an 1853 jail and currently undergoing restoration. It houses the town’s first printing press and other artifacts. The 1839 Creswell Cabin, relocated to the museum grounds, illustrates life in the backcountry during the mid-19th century.

Local residents whose families have lived in Abbeville for generations share their stories with visitors through the Historic Abbeville Tour Service (HATS). HATS began with a two-hour walking tour for visiting groups and now offers varied tours of historic Abbeville and the surrounding county. These include a Historic Fitness Walk, a step-on guided bus tour, and a ghost tour. A Black Heritage Tour is currently being developed with seed money donated by descendants of local slaves.

Abbeville is also an active participant in the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, a regional effort that encourages teachers, students, and families to explore the historical, cultural, and nationally significant resources of the state. The corridor offers a Passport Program through which the visitors get a passport booklet stamped when they visit featured destinations.

Since 2003, Abbeville has hosted an Olde South Christmas celebration featuring living history re-enactors and period craftspeople demonstrating their crafts and selling their wares along the square. Carriage rides, storytellers, a parade, and an exhibit on the  H.L.   Hunley , an excavated Confederate submarine, all add to this event, which is capped by a ball in the Civic Center.

Designated a Preserve America Community in January 2008.

For more information

Abbeville History

Abbeville County Historical Society

South Carolina National Heritage Corridor