A Brief History of Myrtle Beach
Welcome to one of the most historic places on the South Carolina coast, Myrtle Beach— where sunshine meets stories, and every wave has a past. Sure, today it’s all about flip-flops, boardwalk strolls, and seafood buffets, but the history of Myrtle Beach is full of unexpected twists, colorful characters, and more than a few hidden treasures - historically and otherwise!Booking your stay at the Ocean Creek Resort puts you front and center to soak in all the rich history the Myrtle Beach area has to offer.
Before the Beach Umbrellas: Life Before Tourism
Long before vacationers set up umbrellas on the beautiful beaches of the Grand Strand, the land was home to Native American tribes like the Waccamaw and Winyah. They fished in the rivers, farmed the land, and enjoyed life by the water, long before the word “resort” existed.
Then came the explorers, who saw the prime location between the Atlantic Ocean and the inland forests. The first European settlers began arriving in the late 1600s, planting the seeds of what would one day become a bustling coastal escape.
Yo Ho, Myrtle! The Pirate Days and Maritime History
Yep — pirates were here, and not just in themed mini-golf form. In the 1700s, the Atlantic Coast around what is now Myrtle Beach was a hotspot for smugglers, privateers, and legendary pirates like Blackbeard. The coves and inlets near Little River and Pawleys Island were perfect hideouts. Some even say treasure may still be buried along these shores.
This swashbuckling past gives Myrtle Beach a bit of edge to go along with its sunny reputation — a fun reminder that these waters weren’t always so peaceful.
For those eager to dive into maritime history, the wreck of the Sherman offers a tangible connection to the past. Originally built in 1861 as the Princess Royal, this 200-foot vessel served as a blockade-runner during the Civil War. After being captured and repurposed by the U.S. Navy, then sold for private use and renamed Sherman, she met her watery fate in 1874 off the coast near Little River.
Today, the Sherman rests in about 55 feet of water and has become a popular dive site teeming with marine life. Divers often encounter schools of baitfish, barracuda, and spadefish around the wreck. The site is accessible to divers of all skill levels, making it a must-visit for those looking to explore a piece of history beneath the waves.
Timber, Trains, and a Town is Born
Fast forward to the late 1800s, when companies like the Burroughs and Collins Company started transporting timber from the inland forests and using the Intracoastal Waterway to ship it out. The arrival of the Seashore Railroad (and later the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad) made it easier to get both goods and people to the coast.
By the early 1900s, Horry County was developing fast. The first hotel — the Seaside Inn — opened in 1901, welcoming travelers eager to take in the Myrtle Beach sun. The "New Town" area was then officially named “Myrtle Beach” in honor of the many wax myrtle trees that grew nearby.
The Glam Years: Myrtle Beach Takes Off
From the 1920s through the 1940s, Myrtle Beach became more than just a coastal town. King's Highway was paved, giving Myrtle Beach its first primary highway. Resorts like the stately Ocean Forest Hotel brought glamour and sophistication, while golf courses like Pine Lakes Country Club helped put the town on the map for golf lovers. This was when oceanfront lots sold quickly and Myrtle Beach’s reputation as an upscale resort town began to grow.
The Myrtle Beach Pavilion opened, and soon families from across the Southeast were heading here for summer fun. The area’s transformation into a vacation haven was well underway.
Myrtle Beach Goes Big (1950–1980)
The decades after World War II brought even more fun. Attractions popped up along Ocean Boulevard, including amusement parks, arcades, and even a famous Ferris wheel. New communities like North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach joined the party, expanding the Myrtle Beach area and its appeal.
The Myrtle Beach Air Force Base played a key role in the local economy from the 1950s until its closure in the early '90s. Home to fighter squadrons and training missions, the base brought jobs, families, and a strong sense of community to the area.
Golf clubs and mini golf became an art form here, as did Myrtle Beach's social life, with everything from dance halls to pancake houses welcoming tourists. And in 1986, the Carolina Opry opened its doors, kicking off Myrtle Beach’s now-famous live entertainment scene. The Opry added a new kind of showtime to the beach with music, comedy, and dazzling performances.
The Modern Era
Today, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is not just a tourist destination but a blend of rich history, entertainment, and beach-town charm. Visitors can relax at places like Ocean Creek Resort, enjoying indoor and outdoor pools and bars with a front-row seat to the ocean.
Points of Interest for History Lovers
Looking to explore more than just the surf and shops? Myrtle Beach is full of standout spots where the past still has a strong presence.
Brookgreen Gardens
Situated on the former sites of four 18th and 19th-century rice plantations – The Oaks, Brookgreen, Springfield, and Laurel Hill – Brookgreen Gardens preserves significant remnants of this agricultural past.
Exploring the Lowcountry Trail and taking guided tours provides insights into the lives of those who cultivated the rice fields and the prominent planter families like the Allstons and Wards, who shaped the region's economy and social structure.
Even the gardens' founders, Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, were drawn to the historical significance of the land, aiming to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage alongside their artistic vision.
Huntington Beach State Park
Photo Credit: MarynaG
Just a short drive south of Myrtle Beach, this scenic park offers nature trails, birdwatching, and stunning ocean views — plus a dash of history. Don’t miss Atalaya Castle, a 1930s Moorish-style home built by industrialist Archer Huntington and his sculptor wife, Anna. It’s a great place to walk, snap photos, and learn about the area’s artistic and conservation roots.
Pine Lakes Country Club
Photo Credit: bobmccordphotography
Known as the “Granddaddy” of local golf, this is where it all started. Opened in 1927, Pine Lakes is not only the first golf course in Myrtle Beach, but it’s also where the magazine Sports Illustrated was first conceptualized in the 1950s. History and golf go hand-in-hand here — with Southern charm and a well-manicured green.
Horry County Historical Society
Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani
Tucked away from the beach crowds, this charming building is one of the oldest in the area. The Horry County Historical Society, located in the historic Bryan House and Office in downtown Conway, South Carolina, was built around 1825.
The house and adjoining 19th-century law office showcase classic Southern architecture and offer a glimpse into the area's early history. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring maps, photographs, and records that tell the story of Horry County and its connection to Myrtle Beach’s development.
Local Legends & Fun Facts
Every corner of Myrtle Beach has a story — some glamorous, some hilarious, and all worth discovering.
- The Myrtle Beach Pavilion once had a working wooden roller coaster called the Hurricane — a favorite for thrill seekers until it closed in 2000.
- King's Highway, one of the area’s main roads, actually dates back to colonial times and was once a postal route connecting Boston to Charleston.
- The city even has its own baseball team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, who’ve entertained fans with beachside ball games since the late '90s.
Myrtle Beach's Story Continues
The history of Myrtle Beach is still being written, with every beach blanket, round of golf, and stroll down the boardwalk. Whether you're soaking up rays, checking out local shopping complexes, or cruising on the water, you're now part of this ever-growing story. So book your stay at the oceanfront, Ocean Creek Resort, and be a part of the story.
So here’s to sun, surf, and stories. Welcome to Myrtle Beach — past, present, and poolside!
