Few
other areas in America contain more history or charm than Georgetown,
South Carolina. From its earliest beginnings as the probable
site of the first European settlement in North America in 1526,
to its present status as a vibrant and gracious city of 9,000,
Georgetown has long been known for its warm hospitality and
Southern charm.
The
third oldest city in South Carolina, following Charleston and
Beaufort, Georgetown was founded in 1729 and became an official
port of entry in 1732. Prior to this, all foreign exports and
imports had to pass through Charleston. Duties and the added
freight had to be paid there. With the designation of Georgetown
as a port of entry, the area's merchants and planters could
deal directly with all ports, bypassing Charleston.
The
first permanent settlers to the area were the English who were
actively involved in the Indian trade. French and Scots settlers
arrived shortly after and added to an expanding English contingent.
During these early days of settlement most were either traders,
planters or producers of naval stores.
From
the years of early settlement, through the Revolutionary War
and up to the advent of the Civil War, Georgetown flourished.
Indigo and rice became the major crops of the area. Prior to
the Revolution, the British Parliament encouraged the production
of indigo with a bounty. The ready market for the blue dye enabled
planters to make large fortunes quickly. With the advent of
the Revolution, however, this bounty ended and the planters
of the area turned to rice for their economic well being.
Georgetown
played an active role in the American Revolution by sending
Thomas Lynch, Sr. and Thomas Lynch, Jr. to the Continental Congress
where the younger was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
British troops occupied Georgetown from July, 1780 to May, 1781.
Many of the skirmishes between Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox,
and British troops took place in Georgetown County.
As
indigo was no longer profitable after the Revolution, the local
planters turned to the production of rice. The many swamps and
low-lying areas by the tidal rivers and the large labor supply
made the cultivation of this crop highly profitable. By 1840,
the Georgetown District (County) produced nearly one-half of
the total rice crop of the United States and the port exported
more rice than any port in the world. The local variety called
"Carolina Gold" was in demand worldwide. This labor
intensive crop provided great riches for the planters.
The
Civil War changed the whole way of life for this region. The
reconstruction period that followed was a social, political
and economic upheaval. The rice crops following the war were
failures, and rice could no longer support the economy of Georgetown.
The combination of the disruption of the work patterns, competition
from Southwestern rice growers, and several devastating hurricanes
spelled the end of the once fabulous rice culture by the dawn
of the twentieth century.
The
need for an economic alternative to rice was met by lumber.
The Atlantic Coast Lumber Company was incorporated in 1903.
By 1914, it was the largest lumber producing plant on the East
Coast. However, in 1932 ACL declared bankruptcy and Georgetown
entered a period of immense economic decline. Recovery began
in 1936 when International Paper Company built a plant here.
By 1942 this plant had become the largest kraft paper mill in
the world. Georgetown Steel and an array of other smaller plants
have diversified Georgetown's industrial base. Commercial fishing
has become a significant industry. In recent years, retirees
and vacationers have contributed greatly to the well-being of
the area. Tourism has become an increasingly significant element
in the area's economy.
Georgetown's
long history combined with its diversity of cultures, linkage
to the sea, triumphs, defeats and revitalizations have all contributed
to create an area known for its charm and beauty.
www.cityofgeorgetownsc.com
Fun
Facts:
The
lifestyle of pre-Revolutionary War days comes alive here. Named
after George II, this enclave of only 11,000 people boasts more
than 50 historic homes and buildings dating back as far as 1737.
Masted ships sailed from this riverfront, bound for England
with their cargoes of indigo, rice, timber, and "king cotton."
You can take a leisurely stroll along the Harbor Walk, tour
the antebellum homes, or dine at some of our favorite spots.
Georgetown is rarely crowded with visitors. Located 12 miles
from the Atlantic, this community is South Carolina's third-oldest
city, and it was recently rated among the 100 best small towns
in America.
If
you are looking to buy or sell a home or condo in the Georgetown
area, please contact
me or search
the MLS!
Keri
Martin
Prudential
Burroughs & Chapin Realty, Inc.
7421 North Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Cell:
(843) 446-6313
Office: (843) 449-9444
Toll Free: (800) 277-7704
FAX: (843) 315-0261
E-mail:
keri@mbnative.com or
Keri.martin@pru-bc.com
Myrtle
Beach Real
Estate
Georgetown Real Estate
