Abbeville County, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Abbeville County is a county located in the U.S. state
of South Carolina
. In 2010, its population was 25,147. Its county seat
is Abbeville
. It is the first county in the United States alphabetically.
, but was designated Abbeville County in 1785, with parts of the county later going to the creation of the counties of Greenwood and McCormick. Abbeville County was settled by mostly Scotch Irish and French-Huguenot farmer
s in the mid-eighteenth century.
In 1950 Abbeville County had a population of 22,456.
, the county has a total area of 511 square miles (1,323.5 km²), of which 508 square miles (1,315.7 km²) is land and 3 square miles (7.8 km²) (0.59%) is water.
of 2000, there were 26,167 people, 10,131 households, and 7,284 families residing in the county. The population density
was 52 people per square mile (20/km²). There were 11,656 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile (9/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 68.33% White
, 30.29% Black
or African American
, 0.10% Native American
, 0.23% Asian
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
, 0.31% from other races
, and 0.71% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 22.1% were of American
, 9.7% Irish
, 6.7% English
, 5.5% German
and 5.3% Scotch-Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 10,131 households out of which 31.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.20% were married couples
living together, 15.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 25.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 9.50% from 18 to 24, 26.70% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 92.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,635, and the median income for a family was $38,847. Males had a median income of $30,452 versus $21,045 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $15,370. About 10.10% of families and 13.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.20% of those under age 18 and 16.90% of those age 65 or over.
In 2010 Abbeville County had a population of 25,417. The racial and ethnic composition was 69.1% non-Hispanic white, 28.3% black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% non-Hispanic of some other race, 1.1% reporting two or more races and 1.0% Hispanic.
Unincorporated
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. In 2010, its population was 25,147. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Abbeville
Abbeville, South Carolina
For other communities of the same name, see Abbeville .Abbeville is a city in Abbeville County, South Carolina, United States, 86 miles west of Columbia. Its population was 5,237 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Abbeville County...
. It is the first county in the United States alphabetically.
History
Both Abbeville County and the county seat, Abbeville, SC, get their name from the town of Abbeville, France. The county was originally part of Ninety-Six District, South CarolinaNinety-Six District, South Carolina
Ninety-Six District is a former judicial district in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It existed as a district from 29 July 1769 to 31 December 1799. The court house and jail for Ninety-Six District were in Ninety Six, South Carolina....
, but was designated Abbeville County in 1785, with parts of the county later going to the creation of the counties of Greenwood and McCormick. Abbeville County was settled by mostly Scotch Irish and French-Huguenot farmer
Farmer
A farmer is a person engaged in agriculture, who raises living organisms for food or raw materials, generally including livestock husbandry and growing crops, such as produce and grain...
s in the mid-eighteenth century.
- There was a historic treaty with the Cherokee IndiansCherokeeThe Cherokee are a Native American people historically settled in the Southeastern United States . Linguistically, they are part of the Iroquoian language family...
that was signed in Dewitt's Corner, which is now known as Due West. - Abbeville County was a hotbed of secessionSecessionSecession is the act of withdrawing from an organization, union, or especially a political entity. Threats of secession also can be a strategy for achieving more limited goals.-Secession theory:...
before the Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
and was also where the last Confederate council of war was held
In 1950 Abbeville County had a population of 22,456.
Law/Government
Bryan McClain is the chairman of the Abbeville County Council, who also represents District 7. The other members and their districts are as following:- Charlie Stone- District 1
- John Calhoun- District 2
- Claude Thomas- District 3
- William Norris- District 4
- Oscar Klugh- District 5
- Don Campbell- District 6
Geography
The county seat of Abbeville County is Abbeville, SC. According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 511 square miles (1,323.5 km²), of which 508 square miles (1,315.7 km²) is land and 3 square miles (7.8 km²) (0.59%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Greenville County, South CarolinaGreenville County, South Carolina- External Links :*...
- north - Anderson County, South CarolinaAnderson County, South Carolina-Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there were 187,126 people and 70,597 households residing in the county. The population density was 260.6 people per square mile . There were 84,092 housing units...
- north - Laurens County, South Carolina - northeast
- Greenwood County, South Carolina - east
- McCormick County, South Carolina - southeast
- Elbert County, GeorgiaElbert County, GeorgiaElbert County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. It was established on December 10, 1790 and was named for Samuel Elbert. As of 2000, the population was 20,511. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 20,525...
- west
Major highways
|
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 26,167 people, 10,131 households, and 7,284 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 52 people per square mile (20/km²). There were 11,656 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile (9/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 68.33% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 30.29% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.10% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.23% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.31% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.71% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 22.1% were of American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 9.7% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 6.7% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 5.5% German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
and 5.3% Scotch-Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 10,131 households out of which 31.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.20% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 15.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 25.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 9.50% from 18 to 24, 26.70% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 92.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,635, and the median income for a family was $38,847. Males had a median income of $30,452 versus $21,045 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $15,370. About 10.10% of families and 13.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.20% of those under age 18 and 16.90% of those age 65 or over.
In 2010 Abbeville County had a population of 25,417. The racial and ethnic composition was 69.1% non-Hispanic white, 28.3% black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% non-Hispanic of some other race, 1.1% reporting two or more races and 1.0% Hispanic.
Cities and towns
Municipalities- AbbevilleAbbeville, South CarolinaFor other communities of the same name, see Abbeville .Abbeville is a city in Abbeville County, South Carolina, United States, 86 miles west of Columbia. Its population was 5,237 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Abbeville County...
- Calhoun FallsCalhoun Falls, South CarolinaCalhoun Falls is a town in Abbeville County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,303 at the 2000 census.The Calhoun Falls State Recreation Area is located nearby. Lake Richard B. Russell, which straddles the Georgia-South Carolina border, is approximately 3 miles west of Calhoun...
- DonaldsDonalds, South CarolinaDonalds is a town in Abbeville County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 354 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Donalds is located at ....
- Due WestDue West, South CarolinaDue West is a town in Abbeville County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,209 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Due West is located at ....
- Honea PathHonea Path, South CarolinaHonea Path is a town in Abbeville and Anderson counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 3,504 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Honea Path is located at ....
(territory in AndersonAnderson County, South Carolina-Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there were 187,126 people and 70,597 households residing in the county. The population density was 260.6 people per square mile . There were 84,092 housing units...
and Abbeville Counties) - LowndesvilleLowndesville, South CarolinaLowndesville is a town in Abbeville County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 166 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lowndesville is located at ....
- Ware ShoalsWare Shoals, South CarolinaWare Shoals is a town in Abbeville, Greenwood, and Laurens counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, along the Saluda River. The population was 2,363 at the 2000 census....
(territory in Greenwood, Abbeville and Laurens Counties)
Unincorporated
- AntrevilleAntreville, South CarolinaAntreville is a census-designated place in Abbeville County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 118 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Antreville is located at ....
- Lake SecessionLake Secession, South CarolinaLake Secession is a census-designated place in Abbeville County, South Carolina, United States located near a lake by the same name. The population was 928 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lake Secession is located at ....
Unified School Districts
All of Abbeville County schools fall into one district where the district superintendent is Dr. Ivan Randolph. The following schools are within the district:- Abbeville County Adult Education
- Abbeville High School(9-12)Abbeville High School (South Carolina)Abbeville High School is a high school for grades 9-12 in Abbeville, South Carolina and is part of the Abbeville County School District.- Academic standard:...
- Abbeville County Career Center(10-12)
- Cherokee Trail Elementary(K-7)
- Diamond Hill Elementary(K-7)
- Dixie High School(8-12)Dixie High School (South Carolina)Dixie High School is a school for grades 8-12 in Due West, South Carolina and is part of the Abbeville County School District. As of 2006 it has an enrollment of 333 students.Mascot-Hornet.-Sports:...
- John C. Calhoun Elementary(K-5)
- Long Cane Primary(K-2)
- Westwood Elementary(3-5)
- Wright Middle School(6-8)
Colleges and universities
- Erskine CollegeErskine CollegeErskine College is a four year, Christian liberal arts college located in Due West, South Carolina.-Early history:Established in 1839 by the Associate Reformed Synod of the South as an academy for men, Erskine College became the first four year, church-related college in South Carolina...
, a four-year ChristianChristianA Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
liberal arts collegeLiberal arts collegeA liberal arts college is one with a primary emphasis on undergraduate study in the liberal arts and sciences.Students in the liberal arts generally major in a particular discipline while receiving exposure to a wide range of academic subjects, including sciences as well as the traditional...
, with 575 undergraduates, is located in Due West, South CarolinaDue West, South CarolinaDue West is a town in Abbeville County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,209 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Due West is located at .... - Piedmont Technical College, in Abbeville, SC
Notable residents
- John C. CalhounJohn C. CalhounJohn Caldwell Calhoun was a leading politician and political theorist from South Carolina during the first half of the 19th century. Calhoun eloquently spoke out on every issue of his day, but often changed positions. Calhoun began his political career as a nationalist, modernizer, and proponent...
, (1782–1850), born in the Abbeville District, United States Congressman and United States Senator from South Carolina, Secretary of WarUnited States Secretary of WarThe Secretary of War was a member of the United States President's Cabinet, beginning with George Washington's administration. A similar position, called either "Secretary at War" or "Secretary of War," was appointed to serve the Congress of the Confederation under the Articles of Confederation...
, Secretary of StateUnited States Secretary of StateThe United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. The Secretary is a member of the Cabinet and the highest-ranking cabinet secretary both in line of succession and order of precedence...
, and Vice President of the United StatesVice President of the United StatesThe Vice President of the United States is the holder of a public office created by the United States Constitution. The Vice President, together with the President of the United States, is indirectly elected by the people, through the Electoral College, to a four-year term... - Langdon ChevesLangdon ChevesLangdon Cheves was an American politician and a president of the Second Bank of the United States.Cheves was born at Rocky River, South Carolina and died in Columbia, South Carolina. His father, Alexander, was a native of Scotland; his mother, Mary Langdon, was from Virginia...
, (1776–1857), born in Abbeville County at Rocky River, banker and United States Congressman from South Carolina - Francis Alanson Cunningham, (1804–1864), born in the Abbeville District, physician and United States Congressman from OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
- Joshua HillJoshua Hill (Georgian politician)Joshua Hill was a United States Senator from the State of Georgia. He was born in South Carolina but later moved to Georgia and became a lawyer. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Georgia in 1857 as a member of the American Party . He was reelected in 1859...
, (1812–1891), born in the Abbeville District, United States Senator from GeorgiaGeorgia (U.S. state)Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... - Abner Smith LipscombAbner Smith LipscombAbner Smith Lipscomb was an American and Texan lawyer and judge. He was also appointed Secretary of State for the Republic of Texas under the administration of President Mirabeau B. Lamar.Lipscomb studied law in the office of John C. Calhoun and passed the bar in 1810...
, (1816–1890), born in the Abbeville District, member of the Alabama LegislatureAlabama LegislatureThe Alabama Legislature is the legislative branch of the state government of Alabama. It is a bicameral body composed of the Alabama House of Representatives, with 105 members, and the Alabama Senate, with 35 members...
and Supreme Court Justice of both AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
and TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. - James L. PetigruJames L. PetigruJames Louis Petigru was a lawyer, politician, and jurist in South Carolina. He is best known for his service as the state's Attorney General, his juridical work that played a key role in the recodification of the state's law code, and his opposition to nullification and, in 1860, state...
, (1789–1863), born in the Abbeville District, was the attorney generalAttorney GeneralIn most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general, or attorney-general, is the main legal advisor to the government, and in some jurisdictions he or she may also have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions.The term is used to refer to any person...
of South Carolina and a member of the South Carolina House of RepresentativesSouth Carolina House of RepresentativesThe South Carolina House of Representatives is the lower house of the South Carolina General Assembly, the upper house being the South Carolina Senate. It consists of 124 Representatives elected to two year terms at the same time as US Congressional elections...
. He was the leader of the anti-nullificationalists in the state house.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Abbeville County, South CarolinaNational Register of Historic Places listings in Abbeville County, South CarolinaThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Abbeville County, South Carolina.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Abbeville County, South Carolina...
- Russell LakeRichard B. Russell Lake-Overview:Richard B. Russell Lake is a reservoir created by the construction of Richard B. Russell Dam on the Savannah River bordering Elbert County, Georgia and Abbeville and Anderson counties in South Carolina...