The earliest known inhabitants of the area were Waccamaw and Winyah Indians who called the area "Chicora," meaning "the land."
Following an ill-fated Spanish settlement in 1526, the British settled George Towne in the 1700's. During the American Revolution in the late 1760's, one of the County's native sons, General Francis Marion, the 'Swamp Fox', was active in the area tormenting British troops holding George Towne.
In 1791, George Washington toured the Grand Strand. He travelled down The King's Highway in the unincorporated portion of Pawleys Island to visit the Alstons, who were wealthy plantation owners just to the south.
Following the Revolution, Georgetown County became the leading rice producer in the New World. Seaports opened the market for slaves brought from West Africa to work the rice fields.
With European colonization, George Pawley was an early settler, giving his name to the community. The breezy island quickly became a refuge from the mosquitoes infesting the plantations during the summer months.
The Grand Strand began to develop into a major tourist area during the early 1900s, but Pawleys was among the last to be developed.
After Hurricane Hugo in 1989 some of the original plantation owners cottages were replaced by more upscale homes. The island has very strict building codes and the original feeling and atmosphere is still there.
Cypress sided cottages on the island gave the community one of its nick-names "arrogantly shabby."
Hobcaw Barony
Combining local history with a beautiful wildlife preserve this is a must visit.
Guided mini bus tours run 2 or 3 times a week and we do have some complimentary places available when you book your holiday through us.
see our page on Hobcaw Barony for more.
Located in the heart of Georgetown's Historic District, Kaminski House was built C1769, and contains an outstanding collection of American and English antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries.
We do have some complimentary passes available when you book your holiday through us.
see our page on Kaminski House Museum for more.
The other side of Georgetown around a 30-40 minute drive from Pawleys Island there are two other plantations which you can visit – Hopseewee Plantation and Hampton Plantation.
Charleston is just 1.5 hours drive away and includes many historic attractions, perfect for a day trip, such as Boone Hall Plantation, Magnolia Gardens and Middleton Place. See our page on Charleston Historic attractions for more information.
