Things to Do

Much of Abbeville County is a nature-lover’s paradise where the outdoor sportsman can enjoy hunting, fishing and camping in a beautiful setting. There are also numerous possibilities for hiking and biking through the rural countryside. Scenic Highway 81 runs along the shores of Lake Russell. The Richard Russell Dam Overlook is located off this highway near Calhoun Falls, offering visitors breathtaking views of this dam and picnic facilities.

South of Abbeville itself is the Long Cane District of the Sumter Natural Forest. Established in 1936, the forest is known for its wildlife management and recreation areas.

Founded in 1785 as the Abbeville District, the county today is comprised of six towns and communities, the largest of which is the historic town of Abbeville. The courthouse town and county seat is built on a square near a large spring on land owned by General Andrew Pickens. Dr. John de la Howe, and early Huguenot, named the town for his hometown of Abbeville, France.

The town of Abbeville was so actively involved in events relating to the Civil War that it claims the title “Birthplace and Deathbed of the Confederacy”. On November 22, 1860, Secession Hill was the site of the first public meeting organized to consider seceding from the Union. On May 2, 1865, at the Burt-Stark Mansion, President Jefferson Davis met for the last time with his Council of War and agreed to disband his Confederate troops.

A tree-shaded square is surrounded with unique shops and stores, which as a result of their restoration to their 19th Century appearance, display their original colors and styles. The Abbeville Opera House was restored to its original splendor in 1968. In 1984, the Belmont Inn was renovated, completing the restoration of the historic square. The 20th Century Fox movie, “Sleeping with the Enemy” starring Julia Roberts was filmed here on Magazine Street.

Due West is home to Erskine College and Seminary, the only Associate Reformed Presbyterian College and Seminary in the United States. This beautiful campus is located in the heart of Due West, within walking distance of local dining options on Main Street.

Calhoun Falls State Park is an ideal spot for both camping and boating enthusiasts. Located at 46 Maintenance Shop Rd, Calhoun Falls, SC., the main office can be reached at 864-447-8267.

Hiking – Parson’s Mountain Hiking Trails: Th main trail starts at the recreation area. A 1.4 mile trail climbs 400 feet in elevation from the lake to the fire tower, passing gold mines along the way. Directions from Abbeville: Take SC28 South 2.1 miles. Turn left on Rd. #1-251, drive 1.5 miles to entrance on the right. Contact: US Forest Service (803) 637-5396

Major Events:

Abbeville’s Spring Festival – First weekend in May, 3-day event includes carnival rides, antique cars, flower show, live music, crafts, food vendors.

Hogs and Hens is the City of Abbeville's BBQ festival, held every October.

Blue Crab and Blues Festival is held at the Blue Hole in Calhoun Falls in September.

Due West Fall Festival – Family event with music, arts & crafts, BBQ, white elephant sale, horse show, inflatables.

Victorian Christmas is held the first weekend in December, featuring an artisans faire, Christmas caroling on the Square, portraits with Father Christmas, Victorian re-enactors, carriage rides, and more!

Lakes:

Lake Richard B. Russell - The newest of the Corps of Engineers hydroelectric lake along the Savannah River, Lake Russell was completed in 1985 and named for the late Georgia senator, Richard B. Russell. Located mostly in Abbeville County, it has about 550 miles of shoreline and covers 26,650 acres. Around 1,500 acres of the lake are flooded timber, and excellent habitat for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and trout. Bass and crappie are best in spring. Lake Russell offers exceptional bluegill fishing for a large reservoir. Traditionally, the best fishing for bedding bluegill takes place in May and June. There are more than twelve public access points on the South Carolina side of Lake Russell.

Lake Secession – Located along the Rocky River above the headwaters of Lake Russell, Lake Secession is owned by the City of Abbeville and is used primarily for municipal power production. A popular recreation spot, the lake has many private residences along its shoreline.

Historic Sites

Burt-Stark Mansion – Built in the 1830’s, this Greek Revival historic home was the site of the final meeting of the Confederate War Council with President Jefferson Davis on May 2, 1865. A National Landmark, located at the intersection of North Main and Greenville Streets, Abbeville. OPEN: Saturday 1:30 – 4:30pm, Monday – Thursday by appointment. Call (864) 366-0166. Admission is $10.00 per person, or $8.00 for Groups of 10 or more.

Trinity Episcopal Church– For more than 125 years, this church has stood as a historical and spiritual landmark. Currently undergoing a massive restoration project, Trinity features a collection of stained glass windows made by William Gibson, the father of stained-glass painting in America. It also houses one of the last John Baker "tracker" organs. Cemetery to rear and down left of church. Graves date from 1850. Located at the end of Trinity Street, Abbeville, just off the Town Square to the west. Open Saturday 12-4 for tours; mass is 11 a.m. on Sundays.

The Abbeville County Museum is located just off the Square and is open on Saturdays from 11-2. This three-story structure was originally the county jail, but now houses the museum, a curated collection of artifacts detailing Abbeville's past.

The McGowan-Barksdale-Bundy House – This two-and-one-half story frame residence built in the Queen Anne Style in 1888 was donated to the Abbeville Historical Society in 1989. Efforts are well underway to restore the home to its original condition. Three one-room outbuildings boast sawed Gothic Revival bargeboards.