A Brief History of Horry County

(excerpt from HCBAR Historic Horry County Brochure)             

Welcome to Horry County, land of the fiercely proud historic Independent Republic of Horry, a county of dual personality where a primarily agrarian land co-exists with the glitz of the internationally famous vacation mecca of Myrtle Beach, anchored in the midst of the coastal Grand Strand beaches of South Carolina.

Horry County, largest of the state's 46 counties, boasts a history of human habitation for thousands of years: Chicora Indian sites; a Spanish settlement in 1526; and British settlers in the 1600s.

Historic events include: Revolutionary battles; a 1791 visit from President George Washington; a Civil War battle at Fort Randall; and overseas port embarkation from the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base during World War II.

Population in 1820 was recorded at 5,025. Today it is about 170,000.

Early industry included lumbering, turpentine production, ship building, tobacco farming and truck farming.

Tourist efforts began in the early 1900s. By the late 1950s the tourism boom took off. Present figures record record 11.3 million visitors a year.

The Waccamaw River, a major link of the north-south Intracoastal Waterway, has played a unique role in Horry's history. Several coastal swashes dot the coastline. Carolina Bays attract naturalists. Both are unusual natural geographical features.

In addition to historic sites, Horry County offers endless seashore activities. Beckoning attractions embrace themed entertainment parks; historic Pink Lakes International Golf Course; many campgrounds; and an international jetport.

Other eminent sites: Horry's own Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens; Playcard Environmental Educational Center with its logging, early farming, Indian culture exhibits, annual Swamp Fest; and African-American Freewoods Farms under development.

Cultural arts are at home here with art and history museums. Many South Carolinians who have impacted world history are honored at the SC Hall of Fame located in the MB Convention Center.

Coastal Carolina University, Webster University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College and North American Institute of Aviation offer higher educational opportunities. First-class libraries offer research facilities.

Conway, the county seat, is named for Revolutionary War hero Brigadier General Robert Conway.

Horry (Orry) County is named for another Revolutionary hero, Brigadier General Peter Horry.

May the historic ambience of Horry County enrich your life as you pass this way or as you stay.

(end of excerpt)