A Taste of Georgetown's History

Surrounded by live oak lined streets, Downtown Historic Georgetown is the 3rd oldest city in the state and is rich with history. In 1690, rice was introduced to the area but, did not become a major crop until after the Revolutionary War. Local planters made large fortunes cultivating rice making Georgetown the wealthiest county in the 13 original colonies. This crop required a large labor force which meant more African Slaves were imported. The slave population was about 85% of the total population of Georgetown County throughout the 1800's. Although the Civil War spared much of the area the social, political and economic upheaval that followed caused the rice culture to collapse. Then a series of hurricanes in the 1800's delivered the final blow and ended the rice culture in Georgetown.

There is much more to learn about Georgetown. You will see many more plaques (as shown above) all around the historic district which will give you a sense of Georgetown's depth of history and impact on southern life in the Lowcountry. However, to gain in depth knowledge we encourage you to take an educational tour mixed with local knowledge and fun facts on the Swampfox Tram or on foot with Debbie Summey, a local historian's walking tour or a Ghost Tour. You won't be disappointed! We also have plenty of museums all within walking distance of downtown - The Georgetown County History Museum, The Rice Museum, The South Carolina Maritime Museum, The Kaminski House Museum and The Gullah Museum.