Abbeville County, South Carolina

Abbeville County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 24,295.[1] Its county seat is Abbeville.[2] It is the first county (or county equivalent) in the United States alphabetically. Abbeville County included in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson, SC Combined Statistical Area.[3]

Abbeville County
County
Abbeville County Courthouse
Abbeville County Courthouse
Official seal of Abbeville County
Seal
Motto: 
"A Great Place to Live."
Map of South Carolina highlighting Abbeville County
Location within the U.S. state of South Carolina
Map of the United States highlighting South Carolina
South Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°14′N 82°27′W
Country United States
State South Carolina
Founded1785
Named forAbbeville, France
SeatAbbeville
Largest communityAbbeville
Area
 • Total511.74 sq mi (1,325.4 km2)
 • Land491.19 sq mi (1,272.2 km2)
 • Water20.55 sq mi (53.2 km2)  4.02%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total24,295
 • Estimate 
(2022)
24,356
 • Density49.46/sq mi (19.10/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district3rd
Websitewww.abbevillecountysc.com

History

Both Abbeville County and the county seat, Abbeville, get their name from the town of Abbeville, France, the native home of an early settler.[4][5] The county was originally part of Ninety-Six District, 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.[5] Abbeville County was settled by mostly Scotch Irish and French-Huguenot farmers in the mid-18th century.[5]

The Treaty of Dewitt's Corner, a historic peace negotiation with the Cherokee Indians, was signed in Dewitt's Corner (which is now known as Due West) in the county.[5] As a result of the treaty, the Cherokee tribe broke into two factions, one of which, the Chickamauga Cherokee, continued fighting area settlers for another 30 years.

Abbeville County was a hotbed of secession before the Civil War and was also where the last Confederate council of war was held.[5]

In 1950 Abbeville County had a population of 22,456.[6]

Lynchings

There were nine documented lynchings in Abbeville, SC.

  1. Dave Roberts known as "David Roberts","Robert Dane", 1882.[7]
  2. Tut Danford, 1889.[8]
  3. Jake "Jacob" Davis, August 21, 1893.[9]
  4. Will Lawton, December 6, 1893.[10]
  5. James A. Nelson known as "James Macon","James Mason", 1894.[11]
  6. Allen Pendleton, 1905.[12]
  7. Will Lozier, 1915.[13]
  8. Anthony Crawford, a prominent landowner, farmer, businessman lynched for not selling his cotton at the price demanded. 1916.[14]
  9. Mark "Max" Smith, 1919.[15]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 511.74 square miles (1,325.4 km2), of which 491.19 square miles (1,272.2 km2) is land and 20.55 square miles (53.2 km2) (4.02%) is water.[16] Abbeville County is in the Savannah River Basin and the Saluda River Basin.

National protected area

State and local protected areas/sites

Major water bodies

Adjacent counties

Major highways

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
17909,197—
180013,55347.4%
181021,15656.1%
182023,1679.5%
183028,14921.5%
184029,3514.3%
185032,31810.1%
186032,3850.2%
187031,129−3.9%
188040,81531.1%
189046,85414.8%
190033,400−28.7%
191034,8044.2%
192027,139−22.0%
193023,323−14.1%
194022,931−1.7%
195022,456−2.1%
196021,417−4.6%
197021,112−1.4%
198022,6277.2%
199023,8625.5%
200026,1679.7%
201025,417−2.9%
202024,295−4.4%
2022 (est.)24,356[1]0.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[18]
1790–1960[19] 1900–1990[20]
1990–2000[21] 2010[22] 2020[1]

2020 census
Abbeville County racial composition[23]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 16,744 68.92%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 6,184 25.45%
Native American 44 0.18%
Asian 71 0.29%
Pacific Islander 7 0.03%
Other/Mixed 822 3.38%
Hispanic or Latino 423 1.74%

As of the 2020 census there were 24,295 people, 9,660 households, and 6,248 families residing in the county.

2010 census

At the 2010 census, there were 25,417 people, 9,990 households, and 6,939 families living in the county.[24][22] The population density was 51.8 inhabitants per square mile (20.0/km2). There were 12,079 housing units at an average density of 24.6 units per square mile (9.5 units/km2).[25] The racial makeup of the county was 69.6% white, 28.3% black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.0% of the population.[24] In terms of ancestry, 14.7% were American, 10.9% were Irish, 9.7% were English, 7.6% were German, and 5.6% were Scotch-Irish.[26]

Of the 9,990 households, 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.5% were non-families, and 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.98. The median age was 41.6 years.[24]

The median income for a household in the county was $33,143 and the median income for a family was $45,147. Males had a median income of $39,217 versus $29,199 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,653. About 16.3% of families and 20.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.8% of those under age 18 and 16.2% of those age 65 or over.[27]

2000 census

At the 2000 census,[28] there were 26,167 people, 10,131 households, and 7,284 families living in the county. The population density was 52 people per square mile (20 people/km2). There were 11,656 housing units at an average density of 23 units per square mile (8.9 units/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.

Law and government

William C. Norris is the chairman of the Abbeville County Council, who also represents district 4.[29] The other members and their districts are as following:

  • Brandon Johnson – district 1[29]
  • Christine Long – district 2[29]
  • Charles Goodwin – district 3[29]
  • James McCord – district 5[29]
  • Rick Campbell – district 6[29]
  • Bryan McClain – district 7[29]

Law enforcement

In 2013, long-time Abbeville County Sheriff Charles Goodwin pled guilty to misconduct in office. He was put on probation for five years, sentenced to 100 hours of community service, and ordered to pay $4,500 in restitution.[30]

Politics

Abbeville County was a typical "Solid South" county in its voting patterns until 1948 when it voted for Dixiecrat candidate and South Carolina native Strom Thurmond against Democratic candidate Harry Truman regarding his support for Civil Rights, most importantly racial integration. It resumed voting Democratic until 1968 when a majority voted for American Independent Party candidate & southern segregationist George Wallace. In 1972 the county voted overwhelmingly for Richard Nixon, and since then Abbeville has showed strong endorsement towards the Republican Party. The last Democrat to carry Abbeville County was Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996.

United States presidential election results for Abbeville County, South Carolina[31]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 8,215 66.07% 4,101 32.98% 117 0.94%
2016 6,763 62.77% 3,741 34.72% 271 2.52%
2012 5,981 56.05% 4,543 42.57% 147 1.38%
2008 6,264 56.94% 4,593 41.75% 144 1.31%
2004 5,436 54.77% 4,389 44.22% 100 1.01%
2000 4,450 53.14% 3,766 44.97% 158 1.89%
1996 3,054 43.01% 3,493 49.20% 553 7.79%
1992 3,317 39.76% 3,968 47.56% 1,058 12.68%
1988 3,738 50.51% 3,629 49.03% 34 0.46%
1984 3,798 55.24% 3,051 44.38% 26 0.38%
1980 2,361 35.60% 4,049 61.05% 222 3.35%
1976 1,791 27.46% 4,700 72.06% 31 0.48%
1972 3,266 68.95% 1,349 28.48% 122 2.58%
1968 1,213 20.77% 1,425 24.40% 3,201 54.82%
1964 1,448 35.00% 2,689 65.00% 0 0.00%
1960 845 21.62% 3,064 78.38% 0 0.00%
1956 339 9.47% 2,985 83.36% 257 7.18%
1952 970 25.89% 2,776 74.11% 0 0.00%
1948 23 2.16% 254 23.87% 787 73.97%
1944 19 2.32% 789 96.34% 11 1.34%
1940 32 3.08% 1,007 96.92% 0 0.00%
1936 23 1.79% 1,265 98.21% 0 0.00%
1932 9 0.75% 1,184 99.16% 1 0.08%
1928 65 5.99% 1,020 94.01% 0 0.00%
1924 19 2.58% 681 92.40% 37 5.02%
1920 13 1.48% 868 98.52% 0 0.00%
1916 8 0.88% 900 98.79% 3 0.33%
1912 9 0.81% 1,095 98.83% 4 0.36%
1904 21 3.06% 665 96.94% 0 0.00%
1900 8 0.58% 1,366 99.42% 0 0.00%

Education

School districts

Most Abbeville County schools are part of the Abbeville County School District.[32] The following schools are within the district:

Other schools

Colleges and universities

Communities

City
  • Abbeville (county seat and largest community)

Towns

Census-designated places

Notable people
Portrait of John C. Calhoun, famous politician from Abbeville County.

See also

References
  1. "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Abbeville County, South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. "OMB Bulletin No. 23-01, Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of Delineations of These Areas" (PDF). United States Office of Management and Budget. July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  4. Federal Writers' Project (1941). Palmetto Place Names. Sloane printing co. p. 11.
  5. Mary Morgan (March 19, 2007). "Abbeville County". Archived from the original on August 20, 2007. Retrieved October 15, 2007.
  6. Encyclopædia Britannica Atlas, 1959 Edition, p. 298
  7. "CSDE Lynching Database". lynching.csde.washington.edu. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  8. "CSDE Lynching Database". lynching.csde.washington.edu. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  9. "CSDE Lynching Database". lynching.csde.washington.edu. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  10. "CSDE Lynching Database". lynching.csde.washington.edu. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  11. "CSDE Lynching Database". lynching.csde.washington.edu. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  12. "CSDE Lynching Database". lynching.csde.washington.edu. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  13. "CSDE Lynching Database". lynching.csde.washington.edu. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  14. "CSDE Lynching Database". lynching.csde.washington.edu. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  15. "CSDE Lynching Database". lynching.csde.washington.edu. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  16. "2020 County Gazetteer Files – South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. August 23, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  17. "SCDNR Public Lands". www2.dnr.sc.gov. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  18. "U.S. Decennial Census QuickFacts, Abbeville County, South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  19. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  20. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  21. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  22. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  23. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  24. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  25. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  26. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  27. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  28. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  29. "County Council". Retrieved November 10, 2011.
  30. Mitch Weiss (January 18, 2013). "Former sheriff pleads guilty". Post and Courier. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  31. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  32. "Abbeville County School District Listing". Retrieved November 10, 2011.
  33. Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who. 1963.
  34. "Leomont Evans returns to Canton — site of scary injury — for Dawkins' induction | Sports | indexjournal.com".
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