Georgetown, South Carolina is the third oldest city in the state and is known as the Historic Seaport. The town is surrounded by water on three sides and is located just off of Highway 17, between Myrtle Beach and Charleston in Georgetown County.

The town was found in 1729 and was named an official port of entry in 1732. Early in its history and prior to the Civil War, rice and indigo were the staples of Georgetown’s economy. Like so many other southern cities and towns, the Civil War dramatically changed the area and by the early 20th century, rice no longer sustained Georgetown. For a short period of time, the lumber industry flourished in Georgetown. However, when the Atlantic Coast Lumber Company filed for bankruptcy in 1932, the lumber industry began to falter. The International Paper Company moved to the area in 1936, replacing lumber as the source of revenue for Georgetown.

Today, the paper industry is still an important part of Georgetown’s economy along with commercial fishing, and tourism. Georgetown is a great destination for individuals & families looking to take a break from the beach for the day.

Annual Events:

20th Annual Wooden Boat Show

October 16th, 2010

The annual event features numerous wooden boat exhibits, children’s model boatbuilding, maritime arts & crafts, raffles, food, music, and more! Boats will be displayed in the water and along the boardwalk. All events and activities will take place along the waterfront and Front Street in Historic Downtown Georgetown.

Attractions:

Georgetown Lighthouse

The lighthouse was built in 1812 and is located 12.5 miles south of Georgetown on North Island on the northern side of the entrance to Winyah Bay. The lighthouse is best seen by boat and sight-seeing tours to the lighthouse are offered by several companies.

Harborwalk

The Harborwalk is a waterfront boardwalk that overlooks the Sampit River Harbor. The Harborwalk features a variety of restaurants, galleries, antique shops, specialty stores, and more.

Hopsewee Plantation

494 Hopsewee Road
Georgetown, SC 29440
843-546-7891
Monday-Friday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday - Noon - 4 p.m.

The historic home represents a low country rice plantation of the early 18th century and is also the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Tours of the home are available and the grounds are also open to the public. The plantation is open by appointment only in December and January.

The Rice Museum

633 Front Street Georgetown, SC
843-546-7423
Monday-Saturday - 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Rice Museum is located in the Old Market Building (known as the Town Clock) and showcases the impact of the rice culture in Georgetown’s history.

Local Government:

Georgetown City Hall

120 North Fraser Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
843-545-4000

Colleges:

Horry-Georgetown Technical College - Georgetown Campus

4003 South Fraser Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
843-546-8406

The Georgetown Campus is located two miles south of downtown Georgetown. Each semester, the campus enrolls over 700 students and offers such majors as Early Care & Education, Forestry Management Technology, and Surgical Technology.

County Courthouse:

Georgetown County Courthouse

129 Screven Street
Georgetown, SC 29440

Fire Department:

Georgetown City Fire Department

1405 Prince Streetm
Georgetown, SC 29440

Library:

405 Cleland Street
Georgetown, SC 29440

Public Schools:

For more information regarding other public schools located in Georgetown County, visit the Georgetown County School District’s website.