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 State's 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 Carolina's northeastern corner, Catherine H. Lewis tells the story of the state's least-understood region and of its transformation from a secluded farming district to one of North America's most popular vacation spots.
Suggesting that Horry County's 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 Carolina's 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 senate's 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.
About the Author: Catherine H. Lewis grew up in Loris, South Carolina, and has lived in Horry County for most of her life. For twenty-seven years she was director of the Horry County public library system and, since her retirement, has written and lectured widely on the history of the Independent Republic. Lewis has initiated courses in the history of the county for Coastal Carolina University and gives a popular lecture series at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. In 1995 she received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Coastal Carolina University. Lewis is the mother of three sons.
