Belmont Inn, Abbeville, South Carolina

The Haunted History of the Belmont Inn, Abbeville, South Carolina

A Glimpse Into the Past

Nestled on the picturesque Court Square of Abbeville, South Carolina, the Belmont Inn is more than just a charming historic hotel—it’s a portal to the past. Built in 1903 as the Eureka Hotel, this grand structure was originally a railroad hotel catering to traveling salesmen and vaudeville performers. Its proximity to the Abbeville Opera House, which opened in 1904, made it a favorite stop for stars during the golden age of theater. Over the decades, the hotel transitioned from a bustling hub for entertainers to a semi-residential home for the elderly before reclaiming its identity as the Belmont Inn in the mid-20th century.

The Spirits That Never Checked Out

The Belmont Inn’s reputation as one of South Carolina’s most haunted hotels is well-earned. Guests and staff have reported countless eerie experiences, but unlike the chilling tales of other haunted locales, the spirits here are said to be friendly—protective, even.

Abraham, the Eternal Bellhop

One of the most famous apparitions is Abraham, a bellhop who worked at the hotel in its early days. Legend says Abraham was part of the crew that built the hotel and later stayed on as a bellman. Today, he’s known for his nightly rounds—rattling doorknobs and opening doors to ensure guests are safe. Some visitors even claim Abraham has helped unpack their luggage, folding clothes neatly on the bed without them lifting a finger.

The Wandering Widow

Another spectral resident is the Wandering Widow, a mysterious woman dressed in black who glides through the basement registration area. Witnesses describe her as floating, her feet never touching the ground, before she vanishes into thin air. Her identity remains unknown, adding to the Belmont Inn’s mystique.

Miss Mabel’s Kitchen

Upstairs, the kitchen still bears the name of Miss Mabel, the head cook from the early 1900s. Her spirit reportedly dislikes intrusions—objects have been seen flying across the room, and a knife was once discovered in the freezer. These mischievous acts seem to be her way of reminding everyone that it’s still her kitchen.

The Actress Who Never Left

The Belmont Inn’s connection to the Abbeville Opera House adds another layer to its haunted lore. In 1914, an actress performing in Ben Hur fell ill and recuperated at the hotel. She mustered enough strength to watch the final act from the third-floor balcony before passing away later that night. To this day, actors claim to see a woman in an early 20th-century dress applauding from that same balcony—now closed to the public.

Modern Encounters

Guests continue to share spine-tingling stories: footsteps echoing in empty hallways, doors opening and closing on their own, and sudden cold spots in certain rooms. Paranormal investigators have flocked to the Belmont Inn, with many reporting strong evidence of supernatural activity. Despite these occurrences, visitors and owners insist the spirits are benevolent, making the inn a unique blend of Southern hospitality and spectral charm.

Why Visit the Belmont Inn?

Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost hunter, or simply curious, the Belmont Inn offers an unforgettable experience. Its 24 rooms brim with character, creaking floors, and whispers of bygone eras. Stay the night, savor the stories, and perhaps—just perhaps—catch a glimpse of Abraham making his rounds.