That's after vandals tagged at least three sites by early Saturday morning.
Investigators wonder if it's a case of kids making bad decisions, or big city tensions reflected in this close-knit community of 3,300.
The scene startles and shocks Abingdon's former police chief on Monday.
"I think it's very disheartening," said William Robinson.
Robinson gazed at where vandals sprayed hate crime graffiti.
Signs that stood for decades are now defaced with racial slurs.
"I just hope that this isn't part of the next step towards escalation," he said.
A swastika now mars a sign for Abingdon's churches.
Spray-painted racist themes also cover this gateway to the community.
"I don't understand what motivates someone to do vandalism like this," said Abingdon Mayor John DeJaynes.
The city plans to remove and repair the signs on Tuesday.
Its small staff has been delayed by projects linked to last week's storm damage.
Vandals also tagged a nearby business and stop sign.
Now, Abingdon is searching for answers.
Those slurs aren't welcome in this Knox County town.
"I don't think we have any racial problems in town that we're aware of anyway," said Mayor DeJaynes.
Big city unrest is not at home in Abingdon.
"I don't think this reflects on this attitude or the personality of the good people here in Abingdon," Robinson said.
After living and working here for years, it's hard for him to imagine.
"I think that's why it's so disturbing," Robinson said. "We just don't expect this here."
Investigators hope that somebody will eventually speak up.
That will help this town to solve the case and erase this ugly memory.