Huguenots settled Abbeville in the mid 1700s, and named it after a town in France. Cherokee Indians heavily populated the area for quite some time. The town is well known for hosting Jefferson Davis' last cabinet meeting, and has a long Civil War history.
Today, visitors will be welcomed to Abbeville by a beige sign with distinctive green letters. They'll discover a place that has taken extraordinary steps to keep history alive. In fact, Abbeville's quaint Historic District includes about 300 structures (guided tours are available.) Brick roadways, mature trees, the Abbeville Opera House, and an historic square take visitors back to another place in time. Awning covered storefronts, a whimsical mix of eateries, several B&Bs and decorative flags remind visitors that while Abbeville respects its past, it is smartly positioned for the future. Locals generally enjoy a quiet, slower pace of life in this small picturesque Upstate town. Abbeville is indeed a place to get away from it all, without giving up the necessities.
For the adventure minded, Calhoun Falls State Park offers extensive fishing opportunities, nature trails, campsites and swimming.
Abbeville is located off State Highway 72, near the intersection of State Highway 28. It is about 40 miles directly south of Greenville, SC.
