Georgetown County, South Carolina

1st Battalion 178th Field Artillery 24 Pound Naval Gun 718 Front Street 724 Front Street 726 Front Street 732 - 734 Front Street All Saints Academy Summer House All Saints Parish (1767) / All Saints, Waccamaw All Saints Summer Parsonage / The Rectory Antipedo Baptist Church / Old Baptist Cemetery Attacks Upon Georgetown Belle W. Baruch Beth Elohim Cemetery Bethel Church Bethesda Baptist Church Birthplace of Jeremiah John Snow / China Grove Plantation Black Mingo Creek: Brookgreen Gardens Brookgreen Plantation Chicora Wood City of Georgetown Clifton Plantation Company A, 10th South Carolina Infantry Regiment DeBordieu Beach Dissenter Meeting House and Cemetery Elisha Screven Elisha Screven / William Screven First Baptist Church Francis Marion Friendly Aid Society / Rosemont School Gabriel Marion General Arthur M. Manigault Georgetown Georgetown County Courthouse Georgetown County National Guard Memorial Georgetown County Veteran’s Memorial Georgetown Steel Corporation Georgetown’s Industrious Past Hobcaw Barony Hobcaw Barony Hopsewee Hot and Hot Fish Club Howard School James A. Bowley John and Mary Perry Cleland House Joseph & Theodosia Burr Alston Joseph Alston Joseph Blyth Allston House (Pawley House) Joseph Hayne Rainey Joseph Hayne Rainey Park Kaminski House Kaminski House Museum Kaminski House Museum LaBruce/Lemon House Lafayette Landing of Lafayette Lest We Forget Life on the Rivers of Georgetown Major C. Spencer Guerry Marquis de Lafayette Methodists Mount Olive Baptist Church Mount Tabor Church Nesbit / Norburn House Only Colonial Banking House in America P. C. J. Weston House / Pelican Inn Pawleys Island House of Worship Pawley’s Island / Waccamaw Neck Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Pleasant Hill School Potter's Field Prince Frederick's Chapel Prince George Winyah Church Prince George Winyah Parish / Prince Frederick’s Parish Prince George’s Parish Church, Winyah Prospect Hill R. F. W. Allston House R.F.W. Allston Causeway Rainey-Camlin House Retreat Rice Plantation Rice is King Robert Stewart House Sampit Methodist Church School House Screven Cemetery Sergeant McDonald Sinking Of The USS Harvest Moon Skirmish At Black Mingo Creek Skirmish at Sampit Bridge South Carolina Champion Oak South Carolina's Third Oldest City South Carolina’s Third Oldest City St. John A.M.E. Church The Oaks Plantation The Rice Museum Theodosia Burr Alston These Two Cannons Town Clock / Kaminski Building Ward House Washington Allston Washington’s Visit Waverly Building William Doyle Morgan House William Screven Winyah Indigo Society Winyah Schools
Georgetown County, located in the state of South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Waccamaw and Winyah. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers such as Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón and Hernando de Soto visiting the region.

In the early 18th century, the town of Georgetown was established as a strategic port and trading center. It quickly became a hub for the rice and indigo industries, with wealthy plantation owners dominating the social and economic landscape of the county. The region's agricultural success was built on the labor of enslaved Africans brought to the area.

During the American Revolutionary War, Georgetown played a significant role as a supply center for the American forces. The British occupied the town for a brief period but were eventually expelled by American forces led by Francis Marion, also known as the "Swamp Fox."

In the mid-19th century, Georgetown County experienced a shift in its economic focus, transitioning from agriculture to timber and turpentine production. The county also became an important hub for the lumber industry, with large timber mills opening along the rivers.

Today, Georgetown County preserves its historical legacy through various sites and landmarks, including the Georgetown Historic District, which showcases well-preserved antebellum structures. The county has also embraced tourism and ecotourism, with its natural beauty and rich history attracting visitors from around the world. Despite its evolution, Georgetown County maintains a strong connection to its past and continues to honor and appreciate its historical roots.
Brief timeline of the history of Georgetown County, South Carolina:

  • 1769 - Georgetown County is officially established as a county in South Carolina.
  • Early 1700s - The area is explored and settled by English colonists, primarily from Barbados.
  • Late 1600s - Indigenous tribes, including the Waccamaw and Santee, inhabit the region.
  • 1711 - Georgetown is founded as a small port town and becomes an important trading center.
  • 1732 - The town of Georgetown is officially incorporated.
  • Late 1700s - Georgetown County plays a significant role in the American Revolutionary War.
  • Mid-1800s - The county experiences a boom in rice cultivation, with many rice plantations established.
  • 1853 - The Winyah Indigo Society is founded, promoting indigo production in the county.
  • 1861-1865 - Georgetown County is severely affected by the American Civil War, with Union and Confederate forces clashing in the area.
  • Late 1800s - The timber industry becomes a major economic driver in the county.
  • 1915 - Historic Hopsewee Plantation is established and becomes a popular tourist attraction.
  • Mid-1900s - The county experiences significant racial tensions and civil rights struggles.
  • 1993 - The Georgetown Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Present - Georgetown County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and rich cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Georgetown County, South Carolina.

Audiobooks about the history of South Carolina.