Welcome to Georgetown, South Carolina

Welcome to Georgetown. Founded in 1729, Georgetown is the state's third oldest city behind Charleston and Beaufort. Named after George II, the quaint community of only 9,000 people boasts more than 50 historic homes and buildings, some dating back to the 1730s.Situated on a peninsula, Georgetown is surrounded on three sides by water. On the east by Pee Dee, Black and Waccamaw Rivers and on the west by the Sampit River and on the south by Winyah Bay formed by the convergence of these rivers.

As a bustling pre-Revolutionary seaport, sailing ships docked here bringing manufactured goods from Europe and left with the trade products of the low country - indigo, rice, and cotton. The lumbering heavily laden merchant ships were prime targets for pirates, who darted out from hidden bays and estuaries to plunder and murder. Some of the most notorious pirates of the times, including Blackbeard, Caesar, and Red Anny looted fortunes. Some say, much of it could still buried in the area.

The four-by-eight block grid of the historical district is bordered by Wood, Church, Meeting and Front Streets. Church Street, as the name implies, was originally designated for churches but today you will find the majority of the churches located on Highmarket Street. Front Street is lined with quaint shops and restaurants, many with upstairs apartments, looking out over the Harborwalk, the Sampit River and Goat Island.

A popular stopover for boats traveling the Atlantic Intercoastal Warterway, you will find many hailing from Canada to Florida and points beyond, anchored in the river. Today visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the 12 foot wide, 1,500 foot Harborwalk, tour the antebellum homes, or take a boat tour of the bay. You can shop at our art and craft stores, or dine at some of many restaurants along Front Street, or even take a walking ghost tour. Georgetown is well noted for its many hauntings.