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Abbeville County| Edgefield County | Greenwood County | Laurens County | McCormick County
Abbeville Opera House
Built in 1908 and renovated in 1968, performances by vaudeville stars have entertained Abbevillians in this historic building. The Opera House offers a year-round program of professional theatrical productions in an elegant turn-of-the-century setting. Located on the Town Square, Abbeville. Free tours daily except at rehearsal times. For information, tickets, play dates call 864/366-2157.
Burt-Stark Mansion
Built in the 1830s, this Greek Revival historic home was the site of the final meeting of the Confederate War Council with President Jefferson Davis on May 2, 1865. A National Landmark, located at the intersection of North Main and Greenville Streets, Abbeville. Open Friday and Saturday 1:30pm-5pm February-May and September-December. Open Tuesday-Saturday 1:30pm-5pm June -August. Closed January and holidays. By appointment anytime including holidays. Admission. For information call 864-366-0166 or 864/366-4600.
Trinity Episcopal Church
For more than 125 years, this church has stood as a historical and spiritual landmark. The stained glass Chancel window, given by a church in Greenville and made in England, was delivered to Trinity after being run through a Charleston blockade. Cemetery to rear and down left of church. Graves date from 1850. Located at the end of Trinity Street, Abbeville, just off the Town Square to the west. Open weekdays and Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 2pm-4pm. For information call 864/366-4600.
The McGowan-Barksdale-Bundy House
This two-and-one-half story frame residence built in the Queen Anne Style in 1888 was donated to the Abbeville Historical Society in 1989. Efforts are well underway to restore the home to its original condition. Upon completion of the restoration, the Jane Green Derrick Center for the Arts will be housed here. Three one-room outbuildings boast sawed Gothic Revival bargeboards. For information call 864/366-4600.
The “New” Confederate Monument
The first Confederate Monument, placed in the public square and unveiled on August 23, 1906, was erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy in honor of the soldiers from the Abbeville District who served in the Civil War. It was destroyed by fire on December 28, 1991. A “new” Confederate Monument was hand-carved by Dario Franco Rossi, an Italian artist and sculptor. A dedication and unveiling was held on December 14, 1996. For information call 864/366-4600.
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D. A. Tompkins Memorial Library
This historic building currently serves as a genealogical and historical research center focusing on the Old 96 District. It is the headquarters for the Courtesy Center and Archives, the visitor and information center for Edgefield County. Located on Courthouse Square, Edgefield. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. For information call 803/637-4010.
Oakley Park
Built in 1835, it was later the home of General Martin W. Gary, who, along with M. C. Butler, led the "Red Shirts" in 1876, assuring the election of Wade Hampton as Governor and ending the power of the Reconstructionists in South Carolina. Located on Highway 25, Edgefield. Open Thursday-Saturday 10am-4pm or by appointment. Admission. For information call 803/637-4027.
Magnolia Dale
Built ca. 1830, it was the home of South Carolina Lieutenant Governor James H. Tillman. It now serves as the headquarters for the Edgefield County Historical Society. The house features a Strom Thurmond Memorabilia Room containing historical and personal artifacts from the longest-serving Unites States Senator. Located at 320 Norris Street, Edgefield. Open daily 9am-5pm Admission. For information call 803/637-5239.
Edgefield County Courthouse
Built in 1839, the Courthouse was designed by Robert Mills, a South Carolina architect who is credited with designing the Washington Monument. Located on Courthouse Square, Edgefield. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Courthouse Square
This area includes a Confederate monument and a granite marker listing the 10 governors and 5 lieutenant governors of South Carolina from Edgefield County. A life-sized bronze statue of Edgefield County's native son, Senator J. Strom Thurmond, can also be found on the Square. Located in downtown Edgefield.
The South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Region 2 Joanne T. Rainsford Discovery Center
This museum is dedicated to the lady who envisioned heritage tourism as a means of telling visitors the history and experiencing the culture of the Old 96 District, Joanne Rainsford. Exhibits and interactive displays relate the narrative of the heritage of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood and McCormick Counties. Located at 405 Main Street, Edgefield. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm. For information call 803/637-0877. For information on the SC National Heritage Corridor, see back page of brochure.
National Wild Turkey Federation
A national non-profit organization of sportsmen dedicated to helping restore the wild turkey population and prevent their extinction. Visitors Center and Museum depicting dioramas of turkeys in their natural habitats, an authentic Cherokee Indian display and much more. Tours available. Located on Hwy. 25, Edgefield. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. For information call 803/637-3106.
Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce/Johnston Visitors Center
A newly renovated Main Street building serves as a starting point for visitors. It is also home to the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce. Located at 416 Calhoun Street in Johnston. For more information call 803/275-0010.
Bettis Academy
Established by Reverend Alexander Bettis in 1881, Bettis Academy in Trenton, South Carolina was based on religious principles and Christian character. Its primary focus was the spiritual and industrial training of African-American youths with emphasis on teacher education. The campus now contains the Alexander Bettis Community Library and Biddle Hall. Currently under restoration, the hall will house the African American Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. For information call 803/649-7709
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The Railroad Historical Center
Step inside the past as you tour three restored rail cars from the Piedmont and Northern Railroad. Located at 908 South Main Street, Greenwood. Open April-October third Friday 2pm-4pm; third Saturday 10am-4pm. Special arrangements may be made for groups of 25 or more. For information call 864/229-7093.
Park Seed Company
Visit the largest mail-order seed company in the world and tour the beautiful test gardens from Spring until Fall. Packages of seed, both vegetable and flower, are available for sale at the Gift Shop. Located on SC254, Greenwood. Open for tours daily 9AM-5PM. For information call 864/223-8555 or 1-800-845-3369.
Emerald Farm
A fully operational goat farm which features a delightful gift shop where goat's milk soaps and cheeses are available. A train and hobby shop, natural foods store and picnic area are also on the premises. Located off East Cambridge Avenue, east of Greenwood. Free admission. For more information call 864/223-9747.
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Childhood Home
Dr. Mays was born in Greenwood County in 1895 and served as president of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia from 1940-1967. He was considered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as one of the most influential people in his life. Dr. Mays died in 1984. The house is located on the Brewer Complex along with a one-room schoolhouse. For information call the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce at 864/223-8431.
Cokesbury College
Originally a female preparatory school, this building is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Cokesbury area boasts of the largest group of antebellum buildings in Greenwood County with many homes restored and renovated. Located just off SC246 between US25 and SC254, about 8 miles north of Greenwood. Open by appointment. Donations accepted. For information call 864/374-3237.
Ninety Six National Historic Site
Visit the site of the first land battle of the Revolutionary War. A Visitor Center features exhibits and a videotape about the event. A mile-long trail includes the site of a frontier settlement with a trading post, a French and Indian War fort and extensive Revolutionary War fortifications. Located on SC248, Ninety Six. Open daily 8AM-5PM. Free admission. For more information call 864/543-4068.
Greenwood County Library-Ninety Six Branch
View African-American art from Liberia and other parts of Africa. Located on SC248, South Cambridge Avenue, Ninety Six. For information call 864/543-4749.
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James Dunklin House
Built ca. 1820, this classic example of South Carolina architecture now serves as a museum filled with many fine antiques. Located at 544 West Main Street, Laurens. Open by appointment. Free admission. For information call (864)984-4735.
Laurens County Courthouse
Built in 1838-40 and remodeled in 1911 and again in the 1970's, this building is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture in the rural South. Located on Town Square, Laurens.
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
Built in 1850, this is the oldest church still in use in the City of Laurens. The church building is open to the public. Located at 225 West Main Street in Laurens.
Culbertson Back Country Settlement
18th century log cabins, block house, one-room school and 1882 church. Located at 7000 Georgia Road in Gray Court just off Hwy 14. Open by appointment. Gray Court-Owings Historical Society. Call Dianne Culbertson 864.876.2667.
Gray Court-Owings Historical Society Museum and Tours
Tours of the museum and historic homes, churches, and buildings of the area. Museum located at 4711 N. Old Laurens Rd., Gray Court. Antique shop and restaurant nearby. Call Dianne Culbertson 864. 876.2667.
Charles Duckett House
This c. 1895 ancestral home of Charles Duckett, one of Laurens’ first black entrepreneurs, contains original furnishings and religious, political and educational exhibits from the late 1800s. Located at 209 Downs Street, Laurens. Open by appointment. For information call Ed McDaniel at 864/923-2826.
Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
This state park protects a portion of the Musgrove Mill battlefield and scenic Horseshoe Falls on the Enoree River. The park’s interpretive center provides a history of the Revolutionary War battle and furthers the understanding of South Carolina’s pivotal role in the creation of our nation. Located on Highway 56, Clinton, approximately 7 miles NE of I-26, Exit 52. Open Thursday-Monday 9am-6pm. Admission. For information call 864/938-0100.
Presbyterian College
A 4-year liberal arts school located in Clinton's historic district, this beautiful campus offers diverse cultural opportunities including theater, concerts and art exhibits. For information call 864/833-2820.
Duncan Creek Church and Cemetery
The church was organized in 1752. The present stone building was erected in 1843. Sixteen soldiers of the Revolutionary War are buried in the cemetery. Located approximately two miles north of I-26, Exit 54 in Clinton.
Bush River Farm
Enjoy a hands-on experience with alpacas, goats and sheep on a working farm and Irish bed and breakfast. Spinning and fiber demonstrations, informational talks, The Alpaca Shop and refreshments are available. Located on 3111 Highway 56 South, Clinton. Open by appointment. For information call 864/833-3881.
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The Keturah
A restored hotel which now serves as home to MACK (McCormick Arts Council at the Keturah), it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Current exhibits on display. Also contains the Gallery Shop. Located on 115 South Main Street, McCormick. Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm, weekends by appointment. Free admission. For information call 864/852-3216
The Dorn Grist Mill and Gin and The Dorn Art and History Center
Built in 1898, Dorn Mill has been restored with original machinery. Local artists may be seen at work as you walk through the mill. Located on North Main Street, McCormick. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Free admission.
Site of Long Cane Indian Massacre
The grandmother of John C. Calhoun and 22 others were buried in a common grave, marked by 2 large rough stones, after being massacred by Cherokee Indians in 1760. Located on SC117, Troy, a dirt road. Tours available. For information call 864/746-6244.
Joseph Dorn Museum and Genealogy Center
Built in 1887, this was the first brick home made out of local brick. Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. The Genealogy Center, located on the second floor, is handicap accessible. For information call 864/852-2225.
John de la Howe School and Barn
A state-operated school for children on land donated by French Huguenot immigrant, John de la Howe, visitors are always welcome on campus. Open Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5PM (check in at the Administration Building). A rustic stone barn serves as the Country Market, a showcase of crafts and foods of the region's unique heritage. Saturday 9am-4pm. Located on SC81 eight miles northwest of McCormick . For information call 864/391-2131 Ext. 124.
Heritage Gold Mine Park
Pan for gold and discover the history of gold mining in McCormick County in a park setting. Located on SC 28, McCormick. Open May-October every 2nd and 4th Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm. Guided tours may be arranged. For information call 864/443-2964 or 706/863-7222.
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