The Burk Stark Mansion
THE MOST HISTORIC PART OF ABBEVILLE
The Burt-Stark Mansion was built in 1830. It was built by David Lesley. He was a planter and lawyer and even the Abbeville District judge. It is furnished with silver, crystal, rugs and historic paintings. This historic building is loaded with antique furniture and gardens with flowers upon flowers. As you walk up to the house you will notice the sunlight reflecting on the stain glass windows which are located at the front and end of the hallways.
Believing that the Burt-Stark Mansion possessed significance in the history of the United States, Mary Stark Davis, the last surviving member of the family who bought the house in 1900, donated her historic home and its contents to the Abbeville country Historic Preservation Commission so as to preserve it for future generations.
In the Burt-Stark Mansion, the war between the States finally came to an end. On May 2, 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, in retreat but still fighting, held the last council of the Confederacy in this Mansion. The members that attended the Council were: Benjamin, Mallory, Reagan, Breckinridge and five Brigade commanders, Ferguson, Dibrell, Vaughn, and Duke. During that council, Davis was convinced by his generals and cabinet that the southern resources were exhausted and that any attempt to fight another campaign would merely bring more misery to the region.
The Burt-Stark Mansion stands as the silent witness to some of the most important moments in the history of the War between the States. Those moments deserve our consideration. So take a few minutes out of your trip and come tour through the Burt-Stark Mansion.
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What Guests Have to Say About Burt-Stark House
"We enjoyed a unique tour of the mansion and its last resident. The historical society has done a great job with the furnishings and information on this site."
"Oh, if the walls could talk. We were mesmerized by history that just poured out of the walls of this magnificent building. I would have loved to have been a visitor when Jefferson Davis stayed here. Highly Recommended"
"The mansion, including the grounds, are beautiful! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable in regards to Jefferson Davis' visit to the house along with the family history of the individuals who owned the property."
