Winyah Schools
Historical marker location:
1200 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, South Carolina
( Marker is on Highmarket Street east of Dozier Street, on the left when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1985
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South Carolina is home to several historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Claflin University, Benedict College, and South Carolina State University. These institutions played a key role in educating African Americans in the state during the era of segregation.
About Georgetown County
Georgetown County Timeline
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.
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.
Georgetown County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.