Myrtle Beach Area History

The Grand Strand was born of two vastly different cultures. Georgetown County developed from a thriving colonial plantation culture that reached its zenith just before the Civil War, while the more isolated Horry County (pronounced "oh-ree" or "or-ee") rose from humble beginnings in farm and timber trades.

Of course, the area's history extends much further into the past, to a time when Native Americans lived off the land and the bounty of the local waters. They were the Waccamaw and Winyah Indians, and they called the area "Chicora," which means "the land." Although documented history of these tribes is scarce, evidence of their existence continues to turn up. Arrowheads have been found on the beach, riverbanks, and in farmers' fields. A burial mound was discovered on Waites Island near Little River. The remains of an Indian village were unearthed on Wachesaw Plantation near Murrells Inlet, including pottery shards, tools, and other artifacts. At the Horry County Museum in Conway, several exhibits shed light on what life was like for these early residents.

With the passing of centuries and the arrival of Europeans, the population and landscape began to change. English colonists laid out plans for Georgetown, the state's third oldest city, in 1730. Surrounded by intricate rivers and marshlands, Georgetown became the center of America's rice empire. Crops of indigo, cotton, and lumber also contributed to the wealthy economy. A rich plantation culture took root here and flourished - in no small measure as a result of the diligence and manpower of African slaves, many with first-hand knowledge of rice cultivation from their homelands. Hopsewee and other historic plantations, Georgetown's Rice Museum, and Brookgreen Gardens offer fascinating glimpses into this cornerstone of Georgetown's past.

Before the Civil War, wealthy plantation owners turned Pawleys Island into one of the first summer resorts on the Atlantic coast. Planters and their families spent summers on the cool, breezy island to avoid malaria and other deadly diseases associated with the more swampy, still conditions of the plantation sites. Historic cottages, inns, and other buildings still stand on Pawleys Island.

After the Civil War and the emancipation of slaves, Georgetown's rice plantation culture disappeared, leaving behind a rich history and culture that residents hold dear. The Georgetown Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, along with being a major industrial center, the city is well known for careful preservation of its past with historic churches, homes, and plantation sites. A restored waterfront district with distinctive restaurants, shops, community theater, and more attracts visitors throughout the year.

Horry County, bounded by rivers on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, was cut off from the plantation culture that flourished elsewhere along the coast. Horry residents, in what is now the Conway area, were hardworking farmers, timbermen, and turpentine distillers who bartered for their necessities. A typical family in 1875 earned approximately $2.50 a year in what was nearly a cashless economy.

Until the 1900s, bridges and railroads from Conway to the beaches did not exist; only struggling farmers and fishermen inhabited these distant beaches. Eventually, in pursuit of summer recreation, families from Conway were ferried across the Waccamaw River and rode in wagons from the river to the beach.

In 1900, Burroughs & Collins Company, a timber-turpentine firm with extensive beachfront holdings, began developing the resort potential of the Grand Strand by constructing a railroad to the beach. The company built the first hotel, the Seaside Inn, in 1901. At that time, oceanfront lots sold for $25 to those with ready cash. (Less affluent individuals could purchase a lot one row back and pay in yearly installments of $2.50.) Buyers received an extra lot free if they built a home valued at $500 or more. Mrs. F.E. Burroughs, wife of the founder of the Burroughs & Collins Company, hosted (and won) a contest to name the town. Myrtle Beach was chosen because of the many wax myrtle trees growing wild along the shore.

In 1912, Chicago businessman Simeon B. Chapin purchased property and invested capital in the town's development. Myrtle Beach's public park and adjacent library are named for him. Another landmark bearing his name is the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.

In the 1920s, a group of businessmen built an upscale resort called Arcady at the north end of the community. The legendary resort was the rage among affluent society and included the present Pine Lakes International Country Club, the area's first golf club (and birthplace of the magazine Sports Illustrated), and the grand Ocean Forest Hotel. The Ocean Forest, with its 300 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, health club, stables, and crystal chandeliers, remained the center of Myrtle Beach social life for nearly 30 years. The stately building was torn down in 1974 to allow for new development.

The Intracoastal Waterway was opened to pleasure boats and commercial shipping in 1936, and Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938. The Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was established in the 1940s and used for coastal patrols during World War II. The Myrtle Beach Pavilion opened in 1949 and continues to delight families year after year.

Hurricanes have always played a crucial role in Myrtle Beach area history and development. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel demolished buildings and trees all along the Strand and, consequently, cleared the way for newer, larger hotels and homes. During the 1960s, a golf boom began and still continues; today, the number of courses totals 115. In the 1970s and '80s, construction of attractions, homes, retail shops, and other developments increased steadily, triggering another boom in the early '90s that resulted in the Myrtle Beach area becoming one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country.

Phenomenal expansion and development have contributed to the Grand Strand's national reputation as a year-round resort, with numerous hotels, golf courses, restaurants, theaters, entertainment/shopping complexes, and attractions. Each year, millions of visitors come to the Grand Strand, and thousands of new residents relocate to the area.

Among recent accolades:

• Forbes magazine ranked the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area 29th on its Top 200 list of Best Places for Business and Careers.
• Myrtle Beach International Airport is the fourth fastest-growing airport in the United States, according to The Boyd Group, an industry researcher. The airport grew 150 percent from 1994 to 2000, and traffic increased 22 percent from 1999 to 2000.
• The International Association of Golf Tour Operators named the Myrtle Beach area the established golf destination of the year for 2000. Destinations are rated on customer satisfaction, support from suppliers and airlines, quality of golf courses and accommodations, and access to tee times.
• Myrtle Beach is second most popular beach in the United States, according to USATODAY.com Travel Guide, an affiliate of the newspaper USAToday. The 2001 Beach Guide Top Ten Beaches were based on responses from more than 3,000 readers.
• In 2001, Restaurant Business magazine ranked the Myrtle Beach area No. 1 in the U.S. for growth potential. The area's market is growing nine times faster than the national average, and twice as fast as its closest competitor, Flagstaff, Ariz.
• The Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area is the 13th fastest growing area in the nation, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics released in April 2001. The area grew 36.5 percent over the past decade.
• The Myrtle Beach area recorded a 9.1 percent annual growth rate for all goods and services produced between 1990 and 2000, resulting in a tie for fifth place in a national report on growth. The U.S. Conference of Mayors commissioned the report.

Historic Points of Interest

Rice and Indigo Plantations, centuries-old churches, unique museums, and even haunted cemeteries speak volumes about the rich history, culture, and character of Horry and Georgetown counties.

More History on Horry County

Includes historical photographs, books on county history and geneology, history of Horry County government, Horry County Historical Society, ghosts, and more from the Horry County Government web site.