Horry County, South Carolina, 1730-1993

Horry County, South Carolina, 1730-1993 by Lewis, Catherine H.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9781570032073.

A history of Horry County from its reputation as the "Independent Republic" to the commercial success of the "Grand Strand" Horry County, South Carolina, 1730–1993 chronicles the colorful yet little-known past of the Palmetto States largest county, a region now known primarily for the world-famous beaches of its "Grand Strand." Surrounded on three sides by ocean, rivers, and swamps and on the fourth side by the North Carolina border, Horry County remained geographically and culturally isolated from the rest of South Carolina for much of its history and, as such, developed a distinctive culture and a reputation as the "Independent Republic." In this absorbing history of South Carolinas northeastern corner, Catherine H. Lewis tells the story of the states least-understood region and of its transformation from a secluded farming district to one of North Americas most popular vacation spots. Suggesting that Horry Countys past does not fit neatly into South Carolina history, Lewis demonstrates its decided differences-political, social, and economic-from other regions of the state. She describes how, in contrast to the rest of South Carolinas coastal plain, which boasted grand plantations dependent on extensive slave labor, Horry County was divided into modest farms worked by yeoman farmers. She recounts its slow path to self-government; involvement in the Revolutionary, Civil, and World Wars; development of medical, social, and educational amenities; and rise to prominence as a tourism capital. In addition, Lewis introduces readers to Peter Horry, the Revolutionary War officer for whom the county was named, and a host of memorable residents, including Jane Beaty Norman, an altruistic social activist and church founder; Lorenzo Dow, an eccentric itinerant preacher; and H. Kemper Cooke, a self-styled "backwoods statesman" known for his consistent opposition to the state senates established leadership. Lewis also shares a wealth of local lore, recounting such infamous events as the two "battles" of Conwayborough, the unorthodox Republican strategy in the 1876 gubernatorial campaign, and the carnival-like trials of mass murderer Edmund Bigham.