Introduction

This tour starts with Stop #1: The Abbeville Opera House and City Hall - located at 100 Court Square.

Welcome to the Abbeville Historic Walking Tour. This walking tour will allow each of you to experience all of Abbeville's historic buildings, homes, monuments, churches and parks. All sites are listed in numerical order, however, you do not have to follow the map. Each visitor can move at his/her own pace and pick and choose which stops you want to make.

The Abbeville Historic District is comprised of a large portion of the city of Abbeville, which is the county seat of Abbeville County, South Carolina. Of the 528 properties in the district, 319 contribute to its historical character. The focal point of the district is the Court Square, on which are located the County Courthouse, Municipal Building, and a well-preserved collection of late nineteenth century brick commercial buildings. The district also includes the older residential sections of the city, a number of churches, two school buildings, and three buildings associated with the city’s railroad history. The city of Abbeville was formed in the mid-eighteenth century; however, most of the properties included in the district reflect the city’s history throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As a result, the buildings display a wide variety of architectural styles including Second Empire, Gothic Revival, Beaux-Arts, Queen Anne and Bungalow. In addition, the district reflects the city’s role as a commercial center for the surrounding county. The city is also noted for its role in the political and governmental development of the area. Several residences associated with persons or events of historical significance are located within the boundaries of the district.

Listed in the National Register September 14, 1972

Boundary increased on May 7, 1984.

PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANCE: after 1786; circa 1786 – 1930

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE: State

AREA OF SIGNIFICANCE: Architecture; Commerce; Education; Military; Community Planning and Development; Politics and Government; Performing Arts & Theatre