Myrtle Beach SC History

The first settlers arrived in the late 17th century. Many of them were farmers with land grants using the plantation system to produce indigo and tobacco. Other noted settlers are the Withers family: John, Richard, William and Mary, who had received a land grant around what was then known as Wither's Swash and is now known as Myrtle Swash. It was during this time that President George Washington visited the area.

Following the Revolutionary war this area still remained barren with few settlers and following a hurricane in 1822, which killed 18 people, many of these settlers abandoned their land, which then began to return to forest.

After the Civil War the Conway Lumber Company bought the abandoned land, at that time owned by the Burroughs family, who are still one of the largest and most positive influences in Myrtle Beach. The lumber company built the Conway and Seashore Railroad to move timber from the coast inland. At this time employees of the lumber and railroad company would take the flat cars to the shore on their weekends off and became the areas first tourists.

Myrtle Beach became known as "New Town" while nearby Conway, SC was referred to as "Old Town". In 1900 the company built the area's first motel, the Seaside Inn. Myrtle Beach was named during this time in honor of the wax myrtle shrub that was abundant in the area.

Since then the area has continued to grow into the popular vacation spot that it is today, drawing guests from along the eastern seaboard and around the world. These guests enjoy the mild climate, clean beaches, and many tourist attractions that Myrtle Beach is known for.

If you and your family are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach please visit The Myrtle Beach Resort for all your accommodation needs.