Abbeville

Known as the “Birthplace and Deathbed of the Confederacy”, Abbeville County played a key role in Southern history.

 “Both the county and its county seat, the town of Abbeville, were named for the French town of the same name.” The French origin of this name is likely the result of the large number of French Huguenots who lived in the area. However, Scotch-Irish also helped to settle the region that later became Abbeville County. Before becoming its own county in 1785, Abbeville comprised part of the Ninety-Six District. The county lost some of its land in the late 19th century and the early 20th century in order to create Greenwood and McCormick counties.

Known as the “Birthplace and Deathbed of the Confederacy”, Abbeville County played a key role in Southern history. Politician John C. Calhoun was born in Abbeville County.  Moreover, Abbeville hosted the final Confederate council of war. Due to its historical significance, Abbeville offers tours of the town. The area also boasts a variety of parks, namely Calhoun Falls State Park and Marina and Sumter National Forest.

Abbeville South Carolina. Accessed June 02, 2016.

Welcome to Historic Abbeville County. Accessed June 01, 2016. 

James Louis Petigru | History of SC Slide Collection
James Louis Petigru | History of SC Slide Collection
Episode 110

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James Louis Petigru (1789-1865) was a noted South Carolina lawyer (he was head of the South Carolina Bar for forty years), and a leading Unionist in the period leading up to the Civil War. Born in...
Carolina Style | Palmetto Special

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This lesson is a brief survey of the art, architecture, literature and theatre of South Carolina. It opens with a series of skits where "comedic characters" "put down" South Carolina's interest in...
John C. Calhoun | History of SC Slide Collection
John C. Calhoun | History of SC Slide Collection
Episode 34

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In 1824, John C. Calhoun (1782-1850) was elected Vice President of the United States under John Quincy Adams, and again in 1828 under Andrew Jackson. (For Calhoun's career prior to 1824, see John C...
John C. Calhoun | History of SC Slide Collection
John C. Calhoun | History of SC Slide Collection
Episode 33

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John C. Calhoun (1782-1850) was educated at Moses Waddell's Academy and Yale College, from which he graduated in 1804. After studying law, he opened a law office in Abbeville. Calhoun's political...
Wyatt Aiken | History of SC Slide Collection
Wyatt Aiken | History of SC Slide Collection
Episode 2

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Wyatt Aiken (1863-1923) was the son of David Wyatt Aiken, a successful Abbeville farmer who led the South Carolina Patrons of Husbandry (the Grange), an organization which gave political power and a...
Finding a Place to Live | Digital Traditions
Episode 3

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Beachy-Amish Mennonites who live in Cold Springs, S.C. (Abbeville County). Sadie is an accomplished quilter. Why they left Virginia Beach after they felt it was becoming overdeveloped and the...