North Myrtle Beach’s Heritage and Culture

North Myrtle Beach’s story starts long before it became a beach destination. Explore the fascinating past of this coastal gem and see how it has shaped what it is today. 

Early Beginnings 

The Waccamaw and Winch Indian tribes thrived here, followed by Spanish explorers passing through on their way south in the 1500s. 

Revolutionary Days 

During the Revolutionary War, a North Carolina regiment marched through the area to defend Georgia from British forces. Even George Washington spent the night here, marking the area’s strategic importance. 

Pirates & Legends 

For decades, pirates ruled these waters. Blackbeard, the most infamous of them all, is said to have sailed off the coast with his ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, still rumored to rest at the ocean’s bottom. 

Paving the Way 

The timber industry played a critical role in shaping the North Myrtle Beach we know today into a vacation destination. In the 1900s, the beaches were inaccessible by travel until a timber company carved the roads and paths that would later guide visitors to the coast.  

A New Era 

By 1954, North Myrtle Beach became a top vacation destination. In 1968, the merging of Cherry Grove, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, and Windy Hill created the city we know today, later earning its iconic title as the “Home of the Shag” thanks to its rich dance tradition. 

A Legacy that Lasts  

Reminders of North Myrtle Beach’s rich history live on through beloved local businesses like Hoskins Restaurant, a family-owned staple since 1948, and Boulineau’s, a community icon serving locals and visitors since the mid-20th century. These businesses prove that North Myrtle Beach’s legacy isn’t just something of the past but one that continues to shape the community.  

Dive into the area’s living history at the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum, where admission is free. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.