 
Few other areas in
America contain more history or charm than Georgetown, South Carolina.
From its earliest beginnings as the probable site of the first
European settlement in North America in 1526, to its present status as
a vibrant and gracious city of 9,000, Georgetown has long been known
for its warm hospitality and Southern charm.
 The
third oldest city in South Carolina, following Charleston and
Beaufort, Georgetown was founded in 1729 and became an official port
of entry in 1732. Prior to this, all foreign exports and imports had
to pass through Charleston. Duties and the added freight had to be
paid there. With the designation of Georgetown as a port of entry, the
area's merchants and planters could deal directly with all ports,
bypassing Charleston.
The
first permanent settlers to the area were the English who were
actively involved in the Indian trade. French and Scots settlers
arrived shortly after and added to an expanding English contingent.
During these early days of settlement most were either traders,
planters or producers of naval stores.
From
the years of early settlement, through the Revolutionary War and up to
the advent of the Civil War, Georgetown flourished. Indigo and rice
became the major crops of the area. Prior to the Revolution, the
British Parliament encouraged the production of indigo with a bounty.
The ready market for the blue dye enabled planters to make large
fortunes quickly. With the advent of the Revolution, however, this
bounty ended and the planters of the area turned to rice for their
economic well being.
Georgetown
played an active role in the American Revolution by sending Thomas
Lynch, Sr. and Thomas Lynch, Jr. to the Continental Congress where the
younger was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. British
troops occupied Georgetown from July, 1780 to May, 1781. Many of the
skirmishes between Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, and British troops
took place in Georgetown County.
As
indigo was no longer profitable after the Revolution, the local
planters turned to the production of rice. The many swamps and
low-lying areas by the tidal rivers and the large labor supply made
the cultivation of this crop highly profitable. By 1840, the
Georgetown District (County) produced nearly one-half of the total
rice crop of the United States and the port exported more rice than
any port in the world. The local variety called "Carolina
Gold" was in demand worldwide. This labor intensive crop provided
great riches for the planters.
The
Civil War changed the whole way of life for this region. The
reconstruction period that followed was a social, political and
economic upheaval. The rice crops following the war were failures, and
rice could no longer support the economy of Georgetown. The
combination of the disruption of the work patterns, competition from
Southwestern rice growers, and several devastating hurricanes spelled
the end of the once fabulous rice culture by the dawn of the twentieth
century.
The
need for an economic alternative to rice was met by lumber. The
Atlantic Coast Lumber Company was incorporated in 1903. By 1914, it
was the largest lumber producing plant on the East Coast. However, in
1932 ACL declared bankruptcy and Georgetown entered a period of
immense economic decline. Recovery began in 1936 when International
Paper Company built a plant here. By 1942 this plant had become the
largest kraft paper mill in the world. Georgetown Steel and an array
of other smaller plants have diversified Georgetown's industrial base.
Commercial fishing has become a significant industry. In recent years,
retirees and vacationers have contributed greatly to the well-being of
the area. Tourism has become an increasingly significant element in
the area's economy.
Georgetown's
long history combined with its diversity of cultures, linkage to the
sea, triumphs, defeats and revitalizations have all contributed to
create an area known for its charm and beauty.
|
