TH E O F F I C I A L G U I D E TO
ABBEVILLE COUNTY SOUTH CAROLINA
WHERE CHEROKEE TRADING PATHS ONCE CARVED OUT THE OTHERWISE UNTOUCHED LANDSCAPE AND FRENCH COLONIAL SETTLEMENTS ONCE PLANTED ROOTS IS NOW THE HOME OF CHARMING DOWNTOWNS, BEAUTIFUL RURAL FARMLAND, AWARD-WINNING HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, A GROWING INDUSTRIAL BASE, AND EVEN A TOUCH OF MOONSHINE MAKIN’. WELCOME TO ABBEVILLE COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA.
Photo Courtesy of Mark N. Meyers
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ABBEVILLE
The village of Abbeville originated from
land and a freshwater spring donated by Revolutionary War General Andrew Pickens. Abbeville was so named after a town in France, honoring the homeland of the French Huguenots who settled here. Since its inception, Abbeville has been at the forefront of American history, especially during the Civil War. Abbeville’s intriguing past is still evident today as you walk through the original town square and historic homes. Take in the elegance of the Abbeville Opera House, explore Lake Secession, browse the unique shops and eateries, and yes‌you can even see the original site of the freshwater spring that started it all.
Photo Courtesy of Bill Fitzpatrick
Photo Courtesy of Patrick Mulcahy
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CALHOUN FALLS
Calhoun Falls is situated in a southwestern
pocket of Abbeville County where the Savannah River feeds into scenic Lake Russell. The town was developed in the 1890s as a railroad junction. A cotton mill was constructed, the Bank of Calhoun Falls opened, and the town was officially incorporated. After the decline of the textile industry, the Richard B. Russell Dam was completed in the 1980s and ultimately created Lake Russell. Calhoun Falls is rightfully known as the “Gateway to Adventure� because of its abundant natural resources such as Calhoun Falls State Park and the Blue Hole Recreation Area.
Top and Center: Photos Courtesy of the Freshwater Coast Community Foundation (FCCF) / Bottom Left: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
DONALDS
Donalds is a historic farming community
that began as a trading post on the South Carolina frontier with the Cherokee. One of the original Scotch-Irish settlers here was the Donald family, from which the town was formally named. Donalds soon developed into a bustling railroad junction centered on agrarian life spread across gently rolling farmland. Much of this character is still retained in Donalds today, which you can experience through antique shopping and taking in the historic sites. Top and Center: Photo Courtesy of Mary M. Bray / Bottom: Bill Fitzpatrick
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DUE WEST
Another former trading post is Due West,
a peaceful town that soon became known as “The Holy City.� In 1835, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) established a classical school here, which eventually became what is now the sprawling 85-acre campus of Erskine College. Due West has all the young vibrancy that a college town can bring, while also offering deep historic roots found in the tree-lined streets dotted with historic homes.
LOWNDESVILLE
Situated at the headwaters of Lake Russell is the town of Lowndesville, one of the first
settlements established along the Savannah River. Once a thriving farm and railroad town, Lowndesville was the site of a great fire in the 1920s that destroyed each and every one of the original buildings in the town center. The creation of Lake Russell and its ideal location on the Savannah, has ushered in a new era for Lowndesville which now offers and abundance of outdoor adventures at both Jim Rampey Recreation Area and McCalla State Natural Area.
Photo Courtesy of the Freshwater Coast Community Foundation (FCCF)
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SPIRITS of ABBEVILLE 5
Touted as one of the most haunted towns in South Carolina, Abbeville is now emerging with a new variety of spirits. From craft brews to moonshine, here are a few spots that will wet your whistle.
the
VILLAGE GRILL
110 Trinity Street The Village Grill prides itself on their quality ingredients; mostly sourcing from local farmers to meet their high standards. For nearly 40 years, the Village Grill has been a staple in Abbeville famous for weekly specials and legendary homemade desserts. Here you can settle down with a nice glass of wine and enjoy both fine dining and a casual atmosphere.
NATTY'S TRINITY on
101 Trinity Street
Natty’s on Trinity is on the fine dining side with a splash of small town charm. There are dozens of microbrews on tap, and the food choices are stocked with both unique choices like the Reuben crepe along with tried and true southern staples like shrimp and grits.
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the
ROUGH HOUSE
116 Court Square As sure as the sun rises in the east, The Rough House has welcomed patrons in downtown Abbeville for more than eight decades. The Rough House is famous for their hot dogs and cold brews and there’s even hand scooped ice cream for the kids!
RED BARN LIKKER 101 Court Square Yep, you read that right. Because no real moonshiners use the letter “q” and owner Eric Smith is indeed a real moonshiner, Red Barn Likker recently opened its doors in the heart of downtown Abbeville. Grab a bottle or indulge a little in the tasting room at this one-of-a-kind spot where you can truly experience the spirits of Abbeville.
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TINKER'S ALLEY BELMONT INN
at the
104 East Pickens Street
Located inside the Belmont Inn, a longstanding icon in Abbeville for more than 100 years, Tinkers Alley is known for serving up comfort food in an elegant atmosphere. You can choose to eat inside or outside on the Veranda, either of which is the perfect spot for a glass of wine and dinner before heading to one of the shows at the Opera House down the street.
A LEGACY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
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With a population reaching just over 1,000
Erskine thrived on a reputation for academic excellence even through the Civil War, after which supporters had to rebuild the endowment that was wiped out during the conflict. Erskine developed a liberal arts curriculum as it established chairs in chemistry and English literature, while also being a platform for literary societies that trained debaters and offered speech training and hosted renowned speakers.
and carefully manicured streets lined with blooms in the spring time, a quick drive through the town of Due West immediately exudes all the youthful exuberance that one would expect from a charming small college town. The road here has been long though, close to two centuries in fact, and the story is testament to the endurance of Due West and its commitment to establishing a respected academic community that truly stands the test of time.
Erskine also was a leader for women’s education in South Carolina by admitting transfer students from the nearby femaleonly college in 1894. Erskine College became officially coeducational in 1899, ultimately initiating accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges.
Just after the American Revolution, a Reverend Peter McMullan immigrated from Ahoghil, Ireland to Due West to build the Due West Corner Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church. The town developed around this church, which soon established an academy for men and a seminary. This academy was officially recognized as Erskine College in 1839, becoming the first four-year denominational college in South Carolina.
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The Erskine College of today has been nationally ranked among the best liberal arts colleges and placed in the top list of colleges in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, NCAA Division II, and the State of South Carolina. Enrollment has remained between 500 and 600 for several decades with many students enjoying excellent acceptance rates for pursuing graduate studies. The Erskine Theological Seminary now offers classes outside of Due West, accepts students of many other denominations, and provides a virtual campus.
Abbeville County is also home to a campus of Piedmont Technical College, a comprehensive two-year college offering university-level education and hands-on career learning. Piedmont Tech was founded in 1966 and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Piedmont Tech offers state-of-the-art classrooms for credit or non-credit courses in a classroom setting, via satellite, or two-way video. The career studies program prepares students for the work force. There are also continuing education courses for personal and professional development and a university transfer curriculum that are customized to fulfill the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Piedmont Tech is a highly reputable institution perfect for high school graduates looking for practical education that will quickly prepare them for a career, those looking as a starting point to prepare for university, or anyone looking to further their education. Abbeville is one of seven total campus locations. Associate Degrees, diplomas, & certificates in over 80 areas are available.
Photos Courtesy of the Freshwater Coast Community Foundation (FCCF)
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the BIRTHPLACE and DEATHBED of the C O N F E D E R A C Y How Abbeville became the stage for some of the most vital moments in the American Civil War
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the BIRTHPLACE
After the election of Abraham Lincoln,
the South Carolina legislature asked each district to elect delegates for the Secession Convention to be held in Columbia the following December. The first of these meetings was held in Abbeville on November 22, 1860 when over 3,000 people converged to hear what was to become known as the Secession Speeches. Just one month later, the country was at war. The very site of those first impassioned speeches in Abbeville is referred to as Secession Hill and is now the site of a simple stone monument surrounded by grass and trees; peaceful, almost, if you didn’t know its history as the beginning of the deadliest conflict in American history.
the DEATHBED
With the Confederacy in shambles,
Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his stash of treasury fled Virginia and headed south in separate convoys. Davis stopped for a night in Abbeville at the home of his friend Armistead Burt, where his wife had also taken refuge. It was here in the front parlor that Jefferson Davis acknowledged the dissolution of the Confederate government during his last official cabinet meeting. After Davis departed Abbeville, he and his entourage were captured near Irwinville, Georgia. There are many theories on where the actual treasury ended up, but there is solid documentation that it was stored in a vault in Abbeville’s town square at least twice.
Abbeville County has many Civil War sites, including the McGowan-Barksdale-Bundy House that was once home to Confederate General Samuel McGowan. 12
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Calhoun Falls State Park
46 Maintenance Shop Road, Calhoun Falls (864) 447-8267 With picture perfect shoreline views along Lake Russelll, Calhoun Falls State Park is one of the most popular camping spots in the entire state park system in South Carolina. The campground includes both tent sites and RV sites with individual water and electrical hookup, some of which accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Visitors can fill their day with some freshwater fishing, swimming, and a 1.75 mile nature trail. There is also a playground, gift shop, tennis court, and basketball court on site.
Lake Russell is a 26,650 acre impoundment on the Savananah River in between South Carolina and Georgia, and is home to the perfect setting for water sports of all kinds. Almost 1,500 acres of the lake are flooded timber, making for prime habitat for largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Lake Russell also holds some history underneath its waters. When the area was flooded to create the lake, it covered several significant areas including a plantation, fort, a Native American village and mound, and even a bridge. There are 12 total public boat ramps that access Lake Russell, including those located at Calhoun Falls State Park, the Blue Hole Recreation Area, and Jim Rampey Recreation Area.
Blue Hole Recreation Area Windsor Drive, Calhoun Falls Latitude: 34.09608 Longitude: -82.61058
Adjacent to Calhoun Falls State Park is the Blue Hole Recreation Area. A 123 acre lakefront parcel of land that is a favorite for its picnic area with grills, fishing pier, playground and a boat ramp.
Jim Rampey Recreation Area SC Highway 81, Iva Latitude: 34.20988 Longitude: -82.63177
Jim Rampey Recreation Area is an ideal spot to access Lake Russell. The area provides a two lane boat ramp, paved parking, a courtesy dock, fishing pier, and a vault restroom.
McCalla State Recreation Area 46 Maintenance Shop Road, Calhoun Falls (864) 447-8267
McCalla is managed as a special resource of Calhoun Falls State Park and has a whopping 6,239 acres of outdoor fun, including ten miles of horse trails. Also on the property is the 200 year-old Caldwell-Hutchinson Farm House, a standing testament to the evolving landscape from agriculture to wildlife habitat. Photos Courtesy of the Freshwater Coast Community Foundation (FCCF)
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Parson’s Mountain Recreation Area Located just south of Abbeville, Parson’s Mountain offers a small fishing lake, swimming, picnic areas, a ramp for non-motorized boats, and tent camp sites. On site is also two different trails, including one that meanders around the lake and up Parson’s Mountain, past an abandoned gold mine, and ending at an observation tower where you can see a panoramic view for miles around atop the 800-foot summit.
Long Cane Ranger District (803) 637-5396
Sumter National Forest is a 370,442 acre
area that spreads over eleven counties in South Carolina. The Long Cane Ranger District spreads around the counties of Greenwood, McCormick, Edgefield, and Abbeville. The meticulously preserved forest is home to a huge array of outdoor adventures including hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, canoeing, horseback riding, OHV trails, target shooting, camping and fishing.
OHV Trails Both Parson’s Mountain and Cedar Springs OHV Trails are located within the pristine Long Cane Ranger District. These trails are managed especially for all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and dirt bikes. At each trail you’ll wind through hardwood bottoms
Long Cane Horse Trail Though primarily used for mountain biking, this equestrian trail is comprised of a 24-mile loop through both Sumter National Forest and the Francis Marion National Forest. It is considered a moderately difficult trail, but there are several access points and cut-throughs that allow riders to adjust to their own pace. The view will be thick with oak, hickory, and pines along with a wide variety of wildlife habitat, cemeteries, state record trees, and even a piece of the original “Charleston Road”.
Latitude: 34.31255 Longitude: -82.579
Phillips Drive, Iva
Lake Secession is a peaceful reservoir
formed from the Rocky River and several nearby creeks. The waters spread out over 1,400 acres and are a hotspot for warmwater game fish such as black crappie and largemouth bass. Lake Secession also offers the rare opportunity to fish for white bass in the spring. There is one public access to Lake Secession which provides two launch lanes and plenty of parking spaces.
Photo Courtesy of the Freshwater Coast Community Foundation (FCCF)
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ABBEVILLE COUNTY AT A GLANCE Greater Abbeville Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center 107 Court Square, Abbeville, SC 29620 (864) 366-4600 www.abbevillechambersc.com
LOCATION: Foothills of western South Carolina, halfway between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA (approximately 3-hour drive from either). Adjacent to Greenville, Anderson, Laurens, Greenwood, and McCormick Counties in SC, and Elbert County in GA., Abbeville County is included in the Greenville-SpartanburgAnderson combined statistical area.
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling countryside intersected by numerous small rivers emptying into the Savannah River on the western border.
SIZE: 508 square miles
ALTITUDE: 340-832 feet (on Piedmont Plateau) above sea level
CLIMATE: Temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters Mean average temperature-61.3 F January average-43.1 F July average-79.3 F Average annual rainfall-43 inches
GOVERNMENT:
MEDICAL SERVICES:
• Abbeville County-Council form • (full-time staff) • Membership of County Council: 7 members for 4-year terms • Abbeville City-Council/manager form (full-time staff, police, fire, utilities & recreation departments)
Abbeville Area Medical Center 420 Thomson Circle, Abbeville www.abbevilleareamc.com 864-366-5011 25 bed facility offering a full range of medical services that include an emergency room, rehabilitation, inpatient, outpatient and surgical services.
BANKING: Five full-service banks and two credit unions
EDUCATION: Abbeville County School District www.acsdsc.org County-wide public school district with two high schools, one middle school, four elementary schools, one primary school, one charter school, Adult Education, and an Alternative School. Erskine College, Due West www.erskine.edu Four-year private institution in a Christian-based environment, offers undergraduate liberal arts and graduate theological education, and 14 intercollegiate teams that compete in the NCAA Division II as a member of Conference Carolinas.
Lake Russell - 26,650 acres Lake Secession - 1,425 acres
Piedmont Technical College www.ptc.edu One of 10 regional colleges of the highly rated State Technical Education system
COUNTY CENSUS FIGURES:
CHURCHES:
Abbeville County-25,416 Abbeville City-5,237 Calhoun Falls-2,004 Due West-1,247 Donalds-348 Lowndesville-128
Abbeville City-34 Protestant churches, one Catholic church, and a Jewish Synagogue 30 minutes away in Anderson, SC
LAKES:
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Abbeville Nursing Home 83 Thomson Circle, Abbeville 864-366-5122 94 bed nursing center providing intermediate, skilled, and rehab services.
NEARBY HOSPITALS: Self Regional Healthcare www.selfregional.org 864-725-4111
INDEPENDENT ASSISTED LIVING: The Renaissance Retirement Community 5 Frank Pressly Drive, Due West www.therenaissancellc.com 864-379-2570
INDUSTRY: Abbeville County Development Board 901 W. Greenwood Street, Suite 2600 Abbeville, SC 29620 www.investabbevillecounty.com 864-366-2181 Over 35 manufacturing & distributing companies call Abbeville County home. We have four industrial parks, two of which have rail sites. Abbeville County operates the Lakelands Commerce Center Industrial Incubator to encourage new industrial development and provide an area for soft landings.
UTILITIES:
PARKS & RECREATION:
Water & Sewer: City of Abbeville Town of Calhoun Falls Donalds/Due West Water Authority
Abbeville Pete Smith Complex 62 Pete Smith Drive, Abbeville 864-366-5007 Amenities: 3 fields, playground, restrooms & parking
Electricity: City of Abbeville Duke Power Little River Electric Cooperative Natural Gas: SCE&G Telephone & High Speed Internet: West Carolina Telephone Cooperative WCTEL provides the highest quality internet, voice, wireless and security services over a fiber optic network, making Abbeville one of the first gigabit communitites in the State. wctel.com
COMMUNICATIONS: • All major radio & TV networks-full cable TV service in most towns • Local radio station • High Speed Internet • Area is serviced by 2 local weekly and 3 daily newspapers
TRANSPORTATION: All major road carriers serve the county CSX Railroad-mainline from Richmond, VA to Atlanta, GA Nearest seaport facility-Charleston, SC (189 miles) Nearest foreign-trade zone-Greenville/ Spartanburg SC (60 miles) Airports: Calhoun Falls Airport-3800 ft. paved & lighted runway Nearest Private-Greenwood, SC (15 miles) Nearest Commercial-Greenville/ Spartanburg (50 miles) General Aviation-Atlanta/Hartsfield (135 miles)
Abbeville Claude Simmons Dixie Youth Complex 179 Highland Terrace, Abbeville 864-366-5007 Amenities: 2 fields, restrooms & parking Upper Abbeville County Recreation Association (UAC REC) 750 Hwy N, Honea Path Amenities: 2 fields, restroms
Calhoun Falls Little League Field/ Softball Field Anderson Street, Calhoun Falls Amenities: 1 field, playground Calhoun Falls Charter School Anderson Street, Calhoun Falls Amenities: 1 field Blue Hole Recreation/Calhoun Falls Pavilion Amenities: Swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating, shelter rental, playground, restrooms Calhoun Falls State Park Amenities: Swimming, tennis courts, basketball courts, fishing, boating shelters, grills, camping, restrooms, bait & tackle shop, boat storage. Sumter National Forest Amenities: Recreation areas, equestrian trails, OHV trails, hunting, hiking, canoeing, target shooting, camping, and fishing.
MEETING FACILITIES:
Belmont Inn, Abbeville Dutch Oven, Abbeville Calhoun Falls Civic Center, Calhoun Falls Ellison Center, Calhoun Falls Founders Dining Room Erskine College, Due West Abbeville Civic Center, Abbeville
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GOLF COURSES: High Meadows Country Club 1209 SC-71 in Abbeville Nine-hole public golf course, tennis courts and swimming pool Hickory Knob State Resort Park 1591 Resort Drive, McCormick 18-hole championship golf course on Lake Thurmond with lodge, lake access & tennis courts. The Links at Stoney Point 709 Swing About, Greenwood 18-hole championship golf course on the shores of Lake Greenwood. Hunter’s Creek Plantation 702 Hunter’s Creek Boulevard, Greenwood Three separate 9-hole courses. Savannah Lakes Village Two 18-hole award-winning championship golf courses. Tara Golf Club 300 Country Club Drive, McCormick Monticello Golf Club 1148 Barskdale Ferry Road, McCormick
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES:
McGowan-Barksdale-Bundy House 305 North Main Street, Abbeville Headquarters for Abbeville County Historical Society, house tours, special events Abbeville County Library 1407 N. Main Street, Abbeville Dr. Samuel Poliakoff ’s collection of contemporary North American ceramics, bronzes, weavings, and paintings Bowie Arts Center, Erskine College 2 Washington Street, Due West Permanent and traveling exhibits, antiques, musical instruments, history exhibits Burt-Stark Mansion 400 North Main Street, Abbeville House museum tours, special events, Civil War history Abbeville County Museum 309 Poplar Street, Abbeville (864) 366-6040 / (864) 366-2696
FESTIVALS: Abbeville Spring Festival, Abbeville 1st weekend in May in Abbeville www.abbevillespringfestival.com Crafts, live entertainment, flower show, food vendors, carnival rides, & car show
The Fall Jubilee 2nd Saturday in October www.lakerussellrecreation.com Hayrides, live music, craft vendors, pumpkin decorating contest, and apple pie baking contest
Springtime in the Falls 3rd weekend in May in Calhoun Falls 864-418-8512 County-wide yard sale and live entertainment
The Lake Russell Hustle Mid-March www.lakerussellrecreation.com.
Due West Fall Festival www.duewestsc.com Last Saturday in September Fire truck rides, pony & hay rides, yard sales, bands and lots of food. Great family fun.
Fishing Derby Blue Hole Recreation area in Calhoun Falls www.lakerussellrecreation.com.
Holiday Open House 1st weekend in December in Abbeville www.abbevillechambersc.com Crafts, tour of homes, parade, children’s events, Annual 5K Reindeer Run and more! Hogs & Hens 3rd weekend in October in Abbeville www.abbevillehogsandhens.com Crafts, barbeque competition and live entertainment
Photo Courtesy of Patrick Mulcahy
Annual Oyster Roast Every March in Abbeville www.abbevillechambersc.com Ticketed oyster roast and live entertainment French Heritage Festival Every April in Abbeville www.abbevillefrenchheritagefestival.com Bike race, tour of homes, arts & crafts
Photo Courtesy of Lynn Timmerman
Chocolate Walk Mid-February in Abbeville Chocolate sampling at local merchants sponsored by the Merchants Association Freedom Blast The Saturday before the 4th of July @ Blue Hole Recreation Area in Calhoun Falls www.lakerussellrecreation.com Fireworks and food
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GREATER ABBEVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 107 COURT SQUARE, ABBEVILLE SC ((864) 366-4600 abbevillechambersc.com