TLC - Exploring Abbeville’s Storied Past

The Learning Current continued its summer field trips with a captivating visit to Abbeville, South Carolina—a town steeped in pivotal moments of American history.

The journey began at Secession Hill, where on November 22, 1860, local citizens gathered to adopt South Carolina’s ordinance of secession from the Union. The group then toured the Burt Stark Mansion, built in 1830, where Confederate President Jefferson Davis held the final council of the Civil War on May 2, 1865. It was here he acknowledged the Confederacy’s depleted resources and brought the war to a close. Both sites were brought vividly to life by knowledgeable local historians who shared powerful insights into Abbeville’s role in shaping the nation’s past.

After a relaxing lunch at a charming local restaurant, participants explored the town’s railroad legacy. They visited the Belmont Inn Hotel, built in 1903, and the iconic Opera House, which opened in 1904 and earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

One of the day’s most memorable moments came when the group danced on the stage of the historic—and reportedly haunted—Opera House. As they moved beneath the grand proscenium, they listened to tales of famous entertainers who once graced the boards, adding a touch of theatrical magic to an already unforgettable experience.