Lowndesville

On the western boundary of Abbeville county, north of Calhoun Falls, is the town of Lowndesville. Chartered in 1839, this was one of the first settlements along the Savannah River and once one of the largest towns in this section. By the turn of the century, Lowndesville was a thriving farm and trade area with five passenger trains of the C&WC stopping there daily.

A great fire in 1920s virtually destroyed all the business establishments, many of which were never rebuilt. However, with the building of Lake Russell in the late 1970s and the town’s location on the Savannah River Scenic Highway 81, this picturesque village is now growing again. Just south of town is the pristine Jim Rampey Recreation Area, which offers a swimming beach, boat ramps, picnic, barbeque and play areas right on the northern shores of the lake. Also nearby, located in the McCalla State natural Area, is the Hutchison Farm, a perfect example of a 19th century shotgun farmhouse and open for tours by appointment.