Horry County History

Welcome to Horry County, land of the fiercely proud historic Independent Republic of Horry, a county of dual personality where a primarily agrarian land coexists 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, the largest of the state’s 46 counties, boasts a history of human habitation for thousands of years. These include 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 an overseas embarkation froraj the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base during World War II.
• Population in 1820 was recorded at 5,025 – and today approximately 215,000 reside within the county.
• Early industries included lumbering, turpentine production, the building of ships, and tobacco farming.
• Tourism to the area began in the early 1900s. By the late 1950s, tourism boomed. Presently the county hosts over 12 million visitors a year.
• Horry County boasts some unusual geographical features. The Waccamaw River, a major link of the north-south Intracoastal Waterway, has played a unique role in Horry County history. Several coastal swashes dot the coastline. Carolina Bays attract naturalists from around the world.
• In addition to historic sites, Horry County offers endless seashore activities. Beckoning attractions entice both locals and visitors: themed entertainment facilities; amusement parks such as the Myrtle Beach Pavilion with its distinctive carousel and antique German band organ; campgrounds; and, golf courses, including “The Granddaddy” – the historic Pine Lakes International Country Club.
• Other sites of interest are the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens, the Playcard Environmental Educational Center with its logging, early farming, Indian culture exhibits and annual Swamp Fest, and the African-American Freewood Farms.
• Cultural attractions are at home here with art and history museums. Many South Carolinians who have impacted world history are honored at the South Carolina Hall of Fame located in the Myrtle Beach 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 (pronounced Oh-ree) 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.