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.
- 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 from the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base
during World War II.
- Population in 1820 was recorded at 5,025 - and today approximately 238,493 (2006) 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 geographic features.
The Waccamaw River, a major link of the
north-south
Intracoastal Waterway, has played a unique role in the 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 new Hard Rock Park (opening in 2008); 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.
