Abbeville, South Carolina: Where the Confederacy ended and the South begins
Blue Highways by Tee Gentry
Originally incorporated in 1832 and still vibrant today, Abbeville, South Carolina may be the perfect small town. There are no boarded-up buildings. Instead, visitors will find a small town bustling with activity. It is, in many ways, reminiscent of the small towns that last felt like part of the fabric of American life in the 1960s and 70s. The brick streets are hand-laid reminders to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The first thing any visitor may notice are the historic homes lining the streets, many dating back to the 1830s.
The crown jewel of these homes is the Burt-Starke mansion. This Greek Revival home was built by David Lesley who was a planter, lawyer, and a district judge. It’s where the War between the States ended. On May 2, 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis held the last council of the war of the Confederacy and was convinced that, resources depleted, the Confederacy had come to an end.
A traditional town square
The town’s centerpiece is a traditional town square, complete with greenspace, stores full of shoppers, and restaurants with booming businesses.
Just off the square is the Trinity Episcopal Church, built in 1860 in the beautiful French Gothic style. The spire is 120 feet tall and is a focal point.
Abbeville is also home to the historic Abbeville Opera House, which opened in 1908, and still hosts concerts and plays to this day.
The most unique act to perform at the Opera House was the legendary magician and escape artist Harry Houdini. He was bound with ropes, handcuffed, and placed in a straitjacket, and then suspended from the roof. Spoiler warning – he escaped.
Hot dog heaven
Abbeville boasts a good selection of outstanding restaurants. One of my favorites is the historic Rough House, which opened in 1932. Trust me, this place makes a mean hot dog, with mustard, onions, and homemade chili. It’s old school dining at its best.
The grand old Opera House
I’ve yet to go to a show at the Opera House. Upcoming performances include Motown & More with United Sound Entertainment, a stage adaptation of the Stephen King novel “Misery” and the play “Tupelo Honeys.”
If you are interested in an Opera House performance and want to turn your day trip into a two-day extravaganza, consider a stay at the historic Belmont Inn.
This 113-year-old hotel has, over the years, hosted rail passengers, vaudeville stars and was a favorite of the traveling salesman sect. Today it’s a 25-room boutique hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
