An aerial view of Georgetown was presented in this oil painting of the city by Harper Bond in 1901 for display in the Georgetown booth at the Charleston Exposition of 1902. This large painting today hangs in the South Carolina Maritime Museum, 729 Front St. The painting was executed during the administration of Mayor W.D.Morgan and shows some of the 2,000 trees planted by the city during Morgan’s time. The artist was reported to have individually measured each structure and block to paint what appears as an aerial view of the city at the turn of the century

In the beginning….

…there were native Indians, the Spanish and the first African slaves in North America.

Georgetown’s history is generally traced back to 1526, when it is believed

to have had the earliest settlement

in North America by Europeans with African slaves. 

The Spanish, under Lucas Vásquez de Ayllón, founded a colony on Waccamaw Neck called San Miguel de Guadalupe. The colony failed, probably due to a fever epidemic and a revolt of African slaves who went to live with native Indians in the area. Having failed as farmers, the surviving Spanish sailed to the Spice Islands of the Caribbean on a ship built from local cypress and oak trees.

There have been various research projects to find the Lost Colony, but it remains a mystery. 

After settling Charles Town in 1670, the English established trade with the local Indians along the Winyah Bay, and the trading posts in the outlying areas quickly became settlements.

 By 1721, the petition for a new parish, Prince George Winyah, on Black River was granted. In 1734, Prince George Winyah was divided and the newly created Prince Frederick Parish came to occupy the church at Black River. Prince George Parish Winyah then encompassed the new town of Georgetown on the Sampit River.

During that same time, the King of England granted the Hobcaw Barony to Lord Carteret. This area became well-known for rice culture and the general region of Georgetown County was one of the richest areas in the colonies. On the Barony are located remnants of a civil war fort, a rice mill, three slave villages and cemeteries. Artifacts of early Indian settlements are also still found throughout the area.

The King’s Highway, which was the coastal road from Wilmington, N.C., to Charleston, S.C., crosses the property.

 In 1729, Elisha Screven laid the plan for Georgetown and developed the city in a four-by-eight block grid. Referred to as the “Historic District,” the original grid city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still bears the original street names, lot numbers, and many of the original homes.

 The Indian trade declined soon after Georgetown was established and indigo became the cash crop, with rice as a secondary crop. Agricultural profits were so great between 1735-1775 that in 1757 the Winyah Indigo Society, whose members paid dues in indigo, opened and maintained the first public school between Charles Town and Wilmington. The Society’s building stands today at the corner of Prince and Cannon Streets, below left.

Check out the Georgetown County Library’s “Hidden Histories: Winyah Indigo Society” here.

1775-1865

Georgetown from the American Revolution through the Civil War

From 1775 to 1865, Georgetown, South Carolina, experienced a tumultuous period defined by war, a booming agricultural economy built on enslaved labor, and eventually, the devastation of the Civil War.

Revolutionary War (1775-1783): Georgetown played an active role in the American Revolution. Thomas Lynch Sr. and his son, Thomas Lynch Jr. (a signer of the Declaration of Independence), were prominent figures from the area who participated in the Continental Congress. When British forces swept through South Carolina, Georgetown became a British stronghold, occupied from July 1780 to May 1781. The town was a site of skirmishes involving local Patriot militias, notably those led by Brigadier General Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox,” who famously operated in the surrounding marshlands. In August 1781, a British bombardment set fire to 42 homes, a setback from which the town would not fully recover until around 1830. Despite the occupation and attacks, Georgetown briefly served as a vital supply port for Continental and militia troops.

Antebellum Period (1783-1860): Following the Revolution, indigo, a previously lucrative crop, declined due to the cessation of trade with England. Georgetown’s economy pivoted to rice, which became its primary cash crop. The vast low-lying areas and tidal rivers of Georgetown County, combined with the forced labor of enslaved Africans, made the region the nation’s leading rice-growing area. By 1840, Georgetown District produced nearly half of the total U.S. rice crop, making it one of the wealthiest areas in the thirteen original colonies. This immense wealth was directly tied to the exploitation of a large enslaved population, which by 1860 constituted over 85% of Georgetown County’s residents.

While rice dominated, timber and naval stores also contributed to Georgetown’s importance as a seaport, second only to Charleston in South Carolina. Despite some economic shift to Charleston in the 1830s, Georgetown maintained a diverse array of businesses and a significant population of free blacks and a prominent Jewish community, who were well-integrated into the town’s social and economic life.

Civil War (1861-1865): As the Civil War began, Georgetown, a vital port and agricultural center for the Confederacy, faced a Union blockade. Confederate fortifications, like Battery White on Winyah Bay, were constructed to protect the harbor, though they often suffered from insufficient manpower and armaments. Local planters continued to supply rice to the Confederacy, and industries like torpedo manufacturing (the torpedo that sank the USS Harvest Moon in 1865 was made in Georgetown) emerged to support the war effort.

However, the war brought increasing hardship. Federal ships frequently raided area plantations, and the town itself was vulnerable. In February 1865, Union troops captured and occupied Georgetown. This occupation was significant as it included “colored” occupation troops, notably the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers and other U.S. Colored Troops, who formally announced the end of slavery to the remaining enslaved people in Georgetown and the surrounding plantations. This marked a dramatic shift in the social and economic fabric of the region, signaling the end of the plantation system that had defined Georgetown for decades.

INSERT 1865-1900

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1900 to 2025

A look back at the forces that have shaped our town,

one decade at a time

1900-1910

A significant period of transition and growth for Georgetown.

A move away from a reliance on rice cultivation and the embrace of new industries, particularly lumber.

Economic Transformation: The turn of the 20th century saw the virtual collapse of Georgetown’s once-dominant rice industry. Factors such as the abolition of slavery (which had provided the necessary labor), increased competition from other regions, and a series of devastating hurricanes (including those in 1903, 1906, and 1910) made rice cultivation no longer economically viable.

In its place, the lumber industry emerged as the new economic driver. Large lumber companies, most notably the Atlantic Coast Lumber Corporation, established massive factories near Georgetown. Incorporated in 1903, this company quickly became one of the largest lumber-producing plants on the East Coast by 1914. Logging railroads, like the Georgetown and Western, transported timber to the mills, revitalizing the local economy. This shift brought new jobs and prosperity to the town.

Population Growth and Urban Development: Reflecting this economic growth, Georgetown’s population saw a notable increase during this decade. The population rose from 4,138 in 1900 to 5,530 in 1910, a growth of 33.6%. This influx of residents spurred significant urban development.

Under the leadership of Mayor William Doyle Morgan (who served from 1891-1906), Georgetown underwent substantial physical changes. These included the construction of new schools, a new federal office building (completed in 1906), and infrastructure improvements such as concrete sidewalks, electric street lights, and new streets. Many new wood-framed houses, ranging from substantial residences to modest cottages, were built to accommodate the growing population and new wealth generated by the lumber industry.

Social and Political Landscape: The period also saw the fading of the “Fusion Plan” that had characterized Georgetown’s unique post-Reconstruction politics. Until around 1900-1902, this agreement between black Republicans and white Democrats ensured a shared distribution of elected and appointed positions, making Georgetown an anomaly where African Americans continued to hold public office. However, with the implementation of a new state constitution in South Carolina that curtailed black voting rights, this arrangement eventually ended. Despite this, Georgetown’s substantial African American population continued to play a vital role in the town’s life, and a project researching Front Street businesses from 1865 to 1910 revealed a strong presence of black-owned establishments.

In essence, the years 1900-1910 were a pivotal decade for Georgetown, marked by a dramatic economic pivot from agriculture to industry, significant population growth, and the accompanying modernization of its infrastructure and urban landscape.

1910-1920

The continued dominance of the lumber industry,  a significant population shift

and the indirect impacts of World War I.

Economic Landscape

• Lumber Industry Reigns Supreme: The Atlantic Coast Lumber Corporation, which had risen to prominence in the previous decade, continued to be the economic backbone of Georgetown. By 1914, it was recognized as one of the largest lumber-producing plants on the East Coast. The industry’s reliance on extensive timber resources in the surrounding areas, coupled with the port’s capacity for shipping, sustained the town’s prosperity.
• End of an Era for Rice: While already in decline, the last commercial rice harvest in Georgetown County officially occurred in 1919. This marked the definitive end of the “golden era of the rice empire” that had shaped Georgetown’s history for centuries. The series of devastating hurricanes, including those in 1910 and 1911, along with the lack of labor after the Civil War, had made continued cultivation unsustainable.
• Naval Stores and New Uses of Land: Beyond just lumber, the production of “naval stores” (pitch, turpentine, rosin) from the felled pine trees also contributed to the local economy. The cleared lands, once used for rice and indigo, began to see new uses, although large-scale agricultural shifts beyond lumber were still developing.

Population Dynamics

• A Dip in Population: Unlike the previous decade’s growth, Georgetown County’s population saw a slight decrease between 1910 and 1920, falling from 22,270 to 21,716. This decline was part of a larger trend known as the “Great Migration,” where a significant number of African Americans left the rural South for industrial jobs in northern cities. While Georgetown’s overall population dipped, African Americans still comprised the majority of the county’s population in 1920.
• Urban vs. Rural Trends: While county-wide population figures may have shown a slight decrease, the town of Georgetown itself likely maintained its vibrancy due to the concentrated industrial activity of the lumber mills.

Social and Infrastructural Developments

• Continuing Modernization: The groundwork laid in the previous decade by Mayor William Doyle Morgan continued to manifest. Improvements in infrastructure, such as electric lights, paved streets, and a deepened harbor, would have continued to serve the growing needs of the lumber industry and the urban population.
• World War I’s Impact: As a port town, Georgetown would have felt the effects of World War I. While specific details of its local impact during this precise period are less documented, the war would have influenced shipping, trade, and the lives of its citizens, with many undoubtedly serving in the armed forces. A plaque honoring Georgetown County residents who served in World War I was later dedicated on Armistice Day in 1926, indicating the community’s significant participation and remembrance.
• Leisure and Recreation: The 1910s also saw developments in leisure. A pier and pavilion were built on North Island in 1910, transforming it into a popular destination for day trips and evening dances, though this structure eventually burned down.

1920-1930

The waning of  the lumber industry, the initial stirrings of the Great Depression

and efforts to diversify its economy and infrastructure.

Economic Shifts and the Decline of Lumber

• Lumber’s Peak and Decline: The Atlantic Coast Lumber Corporation continued to be the dominant economic force in the early 1920s. After being largely destroyed by fire in 1913, a new and modern steel and concrete plant was completed in 1914. This large facility, comprising sawmills, a planing mill, and other support shops, was a major employer. The company even operated an alcohol plant (closed in 1922) that converted sawdust into alcohol, showcasing its innovative, though ultimately unsustainable, efforts to utilize all parts of the timber.
• Approaching the “Great Slump” While the immediate post-World War I period saw a surge in demand for lumber and cotton, leading to a “heady success” for a few years, particularly peaking around 1923, signs of trouble began to emerge by the mid-1920s. Georgetown, like much of South Carolina, was not immune to the agricultural depression that preceded the national economic downturn. Export trade tonnage and value from the port of Georgetown declined as railroads increasingly supplanted river traffic for freight.
• The Great Depression’s Shadow By the end of the decade, the looming specter of the Great Depression began to cast a long shadow over Georgetown. While the full impact would be felt in the early 1930s, the economic stagnation and national depression of the late 1920s certainly affected the town, leading to financial problems and unemployment for many. The Atlantic Coast Lumber Corporation, which had been the town’s lifeline, would ultimately close its operations in 1932 due to the Depression, a devastating blow to Georgetown’s economy.

Population and Social Changes:

Population Fluctuation Georgetown’s town population experienced some fluctuation during this decade. After a dip to 4,579 in 1920 (possibly influenced by World War I and the onset of the Great Migration), it recovered slightly to 5,082 by 1930. This suggests that while there was out-migration, the town still managed to retain a significant portion of its residents, largely due to the continued, albeit increasingly fragile, operation of the lumber mills.

Modernization Continues 

Despite economic challenges, Georgetown continued its path of modernization. The town had acquired electricity, telephone lines, paved streets, and sewer facilities by the 1920s, indicating a commitment to urban development.

Infrastructure Improvements

 This decade saw significant infrastructure projects in Georgetown County. These included the construction of a large addition to Winyah High School and, critically for regional connectivity, bridges over the Pee Dee, Black, Sampit, and Santee rivers. The completion of these bridges would have been a major boon, improving transportation and trade within the region, even as the larger economic climate worsened.

Early Glimmers of Tourism

While not yet the dominant force it would become, there were early indicators of tourism’s potential. In the broader Lowcountry, areas like Charleston began to actively promote tourism. While direct evidence for Georgetown’s burgeoning tourism in the 1920s is less prominent, the appeal of the region’s natural beauty and historic charm was starting to be recognized by wealthy Northerners who purchased plantations as winter retreats. This trend would eventually contribute to Georgetown’s future economic diversification.

In essence, the 1920s for Georgetown were a decade of transition where the booming lumber industry, while still active, was showing signs of vulnerability, leading to an uncertain economic future. Despite this, the town continued to modernize its infrastructure, and the foundations were being laid for future economic shifts, even as the shadow of the Great Depression began to fall.

1930-1940

The 1930s were a turbulent but transformative decade for Georgetown,

as the town grappled  with the devastating effects

of the Great Depression and eventually found a new economic lifeline.

The End of the Lumber Era: The decade began with the full force of the Great Depression hitting Georgetown. The Atlantic Coast Lumber Corporation, which had been the town’s economic cornerstone for decades, was forced to cease its logging operations and ultimately closed its plant in 1932. This closure was a catastrophic blow, leading to widespread unemployment and immense economic decline in Georgetown. The loss of such a major employer plunged the town into severe hardship, mirroring the national crisis.

Widespread Poverty and Unemployment: With the main industry gone, many residents were left without work or income. The struggles were pervasive, affecting every aspect of daily life.

A New Beginning: International Paper and Economic Revival:

• A Lifeline in the Mid-1930s: In a remarkable turn of events, the mid-1930s brought hope and a new future for Georgetown. In 1936, the International Paper Company announced its decision to build a massive paper mill in Georgetown. This was a game-changer, described as the construction of “the largest paper mill in the world.”
• Construction and Operation: Construction of the mill began, providing much-needed jobs during a time of high unemployment. By June and July of 1937, the first reels of paper rolled off the machines. This new industry effectively resurrected the Port of Georgetown, replacing lumber products with paper and raw materials as its primary exports. The mill’s presence was so significant that it was a major factor in the county’s recovery from the Depression.

Impact of New Deal Programs

• Federal Relief Efforts: While specific, detailed accounts of every New Deal program’s direct impact on Georgetown are not always readily available, it is certain that federal relief efforts played a role in alleviating the suffering. South Carolina as a whole benefited from various New Deal initiatives. For instance, in October 1933, Georgetown County received $19,000 in relief funds from the federal Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC). This money was used to put 4,200 men to work repairing roads and building bridges at a rate of 50 cents a day, providing crucial, albeit modest, income.
• Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): The CCC, a prominent New Deal program, had a presence in South Carolina, employing young men in environmental conservation projects like planting trees. There is evidence of CCC enrollees planting pine seeds in Georgetown, indicating that the program contributed to reforestation efforts and provided jobs.

Social and Demographic Trends:

• Population Stability Amidst Change: Despite the initial severe economic downturn, Georgetown’s town population saw a slight increase from 5,082 in 1930 to 5,559 in 1940. This is largely attributable to the arrival of International Paper, which stemmed the tide of out-migration and attracted new residents seeking work.
• Continued Modernization: Even during the Depression, the groundwork laid in previous decades for infrastructure improvements continued to serve the community. The development of the new paper mill also necessitated further upgrades to port facilities and transportation networks.

The 1930s were Georgetown’s “lost decade” turned into a period of remarkable resilience and rebirth. The collapse of the lumber industry brought immense hardship, but the strategic decision by International Paper to locate its massive mill in Georgetown fundamentally reshaped the town’s economy and set it on a new industrial path, with crucial support from federal New Deal programs.

Want to explore even more?

There are numerous stories about Georgetown history available on YouTube.

Click here to see noted Georgetown historian, the late Pat Doyle, in an ETV special that covers a variety of topics.

South Carolina’s third oldest city, Georgetown, was a “port of entry” in the 1700s, allowing foreign boats into its harbor to dramatically increase its prosperity. In the 1800s, the city’s economic success rested upon its rice plantations, while the 1900s saw it blossom with the evolution of its lumber industry. Today it remains a historic waterfront town just miles away from Charleston.

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Click here to travel Georgetown’s Winyah Bay with cultural historian Vennie Deas Moore

She takes us on the wide waters of Winyah Bay, site of a booming fishing industry from Georgetown’s earliest days, a very visible graveyard of a Union boat sunk by a local torpedo, and home to the North Island Lighthouse, where the ghost of the keeper’s daughter still warns sailors of impending storms. The DigiBridge Lecture series was first presented as a Facebook live event, to allow the continuation of quality library programs while keeping patrons safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The series is sponsored by the South Carolina Humanities with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.