Introduction to Abbeville County, South Carolina
Abbeville County is located in the northwestern part of South Carolina, bordered by Greenwood County to the east, McCormick County to the south, Anderson County to the north, and the state of Georgia to the west. The county was founded in 1785 and named after the town of Abbeville, which was named in honor of a town in France. Known for its significant role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War, Abbeville County is rich in history and Southern charm.
The county enjoys a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making it a suitable region for agriculture and outdoor activities. With a population of approximately 24,000 people, Abbeville County is largely rural, offering a peaceful atmosphere with historic towns and scenic landscapes.
- County Seat: Abbeville
- Number of Cities and Towns: 6
- Major School Districts: Abbeville County School District
Abbeville
City Overview
Abbeville is the county seat of Abbeville County, located in the western part of the county near the South Carolina-Georgia border. Founded in 1785, Abbeville is historically significant as the site where secessionist sentiment first sparked before the Civil War. The city is known as the “Birthplace and Deathbed of the Confederacy” due to its connection to both the beginning and end of the Confederate movement. The city’s rich history is reflected in its well-preserved downtown area and numerous historic buildings.
Abbeville experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Major landmarks include the Abbeville Opera House, a historic theater that continues to host performances, and the Burt-Stark Mansion, where Jefferson Davis met with his cabinet after the fall of Richmond in 1865. The city also features charming brick streets, antebellum homes, and town squares reminiscent of the Old South.
City Facts
- Population: 5,237 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 700 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 29620
- Road Network: U.S. Route 72, South Carolina Highway 28
- Nearest Airports: Greenwood County Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
- Libraries: Abbeville County Library
- Hospitals: Abbeville Area Medical Center
Major Schools
Abbeville is served by the Abbeville County School District, with the main schools being Abbeville High School (grades 9-12), Wright Middle School (grades 6-8), and Westwood Elementary (grades K-5). Abbeville High School has around 500 students and offers a wide variety of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurricular activities such as athletics, band, and theater. The district also focuses on student achievement, providing support services and college preparatory programs.
Calhoun Falls
City Overview
Calhoun Falls is located in the southwestern part of Abbeville County, near the shores of Lake Russell and the Georgia border. Established in 1891, the town grew around the construction of the Savannah Valley Railroad, which made it an important transportation hub for local industries, particularly textiles. Today, Calhoun Falls is known for its natural beauty and proximity to Lake Russell, which attracts visitors for boating, fishing, and camping.
The climate in Calhoun Falls is warm and humid in the summer, with mild winters, typical of the Southeastern U.S. The town’s key landmark is Calhoun Falls State Park, a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and water sports. The lake and surrounding natural areas are significant attractions for both residents and visitors.
City Facts
- Population: 1,858 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 300 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 29628
- Road Network: South Carolina Highway 81, South Carolina Highway 72
- Nearest Airports: Greenwood County Airport, Athens-Ben Epps Airport (GA)
- Libraries: Calhoun Falls Branch Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Abbeville (Abbeville Area Medical Center)
Major Schools
Calhoun Falls is part of the Abbeville County School District. Calhoun Falls Charter School serves students from grades 6-12 and has approximately 250 students. The school provides a small learning environment with a focus on personalized education, athletics, and career preparation programs. Younger students attend Westwood Elementary in nearby Abbeville. The district offers a comprehensive educational experience, including advanced coursework, special education services, and extracurricular activities such as basketball, cross country, and drama.
Donalds
City Overview
Donalds is a small town in northern Abbeville County, located near the county line with Greenwood County. Originally settled in the early 19th century, Donalds was once a bustling railroad stop on the Greenville and Western Railway. The town has since maintained its rural charm, characterized by its rolling farmland and peaceful atmosphere.
The weather in Donalds is typically Southern, with hot summers and mild winters. The town is known for its rich agricultural history, and the surrounding area is dotted with family farms. Landmarks include the Donalds Historic District, which features several early 20th-century homes and churches that reflect the town’s heritage.
City Facts
- Population: 348 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 100 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 29638
- Road Network: South Carolina Highway 184, South Carolina Highway 20
- Nearest Airports: Greenwood County Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Honea Path
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Greenwood (Self Regional Healthcare)
Major Schools
Students in Donalds attend schools in the Abbeville County School District. Most students go to nearby Due West for elementary and high school education. The schools in this area, including Dixie High School (grades 7-12), serve around 300 students. Donalds students benefit from a rural school environment with a strong focus on agricultural education, extracurricular programs like Future Farmers of America (FFA), and access to advanced courses in the district.
Due West
City Overview
Due West is located in the northern part of Abbeville County, bordered by Greenwood County to the east. The town was founded in the early 1800s and is best known as the home of Erskine College, a private liberal arts college with a strong Presbyterian heritage. Due West’s rich academic and religious traditions have shaped its character as a quiet, academic-oriented town.
Due West experiences a mild climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Landmarks in the town include the historic campus of Erskine College and the Due West Historic District, which features 19th-century homes and public buildings. The town hosts several cultural and educational events throughout the year, thanks to its connection with the college.
City Facts
- Population: 1,273 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 500 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 29639
- Road Network: South Carolina Highway 184, South Carolina Highway 20
- Nearest Airports: Greenwood County Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
- Libraries: Due West Branch Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Abbeville (Abbeville Area Medical Center)
Major Schools
Due West is served by the Abbeville County School District. The main school is Dixie High School, which serves students in grades 7-12 and has around 300 students. The school offers a variety of academic programs, including college preparatory courses and dual enrollment opportunities with Erskine College. Westwood Elementary, located in nearby Abbeville, serves the town’s younger students. Due West provides a strong academic environment, enhanced by the presence of Erskine College and a focus on community involvement.
Lowndesville
City Overview
Lowndesville is a small rural town located in southwestern Abbeville County, near the Savannah River and the Georgia state line. The town was settled in the early 1800s and was named after William Lowndes, a prominent South Carolina politician. Once a thriving river town, Lowndesville has since become a quiet residential community.
The town enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Lowndesville’s proximity to the Savannah River makes it a popular location for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and camping. The town itself is known for its historic homes and peaceful, scenic landscapes.
City Facts
- Population: 106 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 50 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 29659
- Road Network: South Carolina Highway 81
- Nearest Airports: Greenwood County Airport, Athens-Ben Epps Airport (GA)
- Libraries: No public library (nearest in Calhoun Falls)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Abbeville (Abbeville Area Medical Center)
Major Schools
Students from Lowndesville attend schools in the Abbeville County School District, with most attending Calhoun Falls Charter School for grades 6-12. The school has around 250 students and offers a personalized educational experience in a rural setting. Westwood Elementary School in Abbeville serves younger students from the Lowndesville area, offering a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. The district is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to student success.
Antreville
City Overview
Antreville is an unincorporated community located in eastern Abbeville County, near the border with Anderson County. The town was settled in the 1800s and has remained a rural, agricultural community ever since. While small in population, Antreville is known for its quiet charm and close-knit community, where residents maintain deep connections to the land and farming traditions.
The climate in Antreville is consistent with the rest of Abbeville County, featuring hot summers and mild winters. The town is surrounded by farmlands and offers residents a peaceful, countryside lifestyle. Nearby recreational opportunities include Lake Secession, where residents can enjoy fishing, boating, and camping.
City Facts
- Population: 140 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 120 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 29620
- Road Network: South Carolina Highway 28, South Carolina Highway 184
- Nearest Airports: Greenwood County Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Abbeville
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Abbeville (Abbeville Area Medical Center)
Major Schools
Antreville is part of the Abbeville County School District. Students from the town typically attend schools in nearby Abbeville, including Abbeville High School (grades 9-12) and Westwood Elementary School (grades K-5). The schools in the district provide a strong academic foundation with a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and music programs. Abbeville High School, with about 500 students, offers Advanced Placement courses and a wide variety of athletic teams, ensuring that students have access to quality education and opportunities for personal growth.