Winyah Bay is located at the confluence of the Waccamaw, the Great Pee Dee, Sampit, and Black Rivers. Georgetown dates back as early as 1526, when Spanish Colonists attempted to settle there. Later, the British succeeded in colonizing the area and 2 centuries later, it was a key trading post and named for King George II. Today, Georgetown is home to a fishing fleet with its docks lined with shrimp boats.
A public-private partnership revitalized the waterfront and contributed to Georgetown being named one of the 100 Best Small Towns in the Country. The broad street is lined with museums, shops, and restaurants and host Joanna Angle visits the Kaminski house. Built before the American Revolution, the Kaminski House is now a museum, with a treasure of period antiques. The museum director talks about several pieces of furniture including large mahogany pieces of the American Empire style. A visit to the cozy library led to stories about Lieutenant Commander Harold Kaminski at Pearl Harbor.
One of the main crops grown in Georgetown was rice and the history of rice culture is highlighted at the Rice Museum in Georgetown's Old Market building. The museum uses displays, dioramas, and artifacts to help visitors to understand a society dependent upon one crop for 200 years.
Palmetto Places explored the architectural and cultural heritage of South Carolina's small towns and countryside. Host Joanna Angle explores historic houses, public buildings, and country stores, and talks with local artists, painters, sculptors, weavers, writers, storytellers, and musicians.
Side Notes:
- Learn more about Pearl Harbor and Lieutenant Commander Harold Kaminski
- Take a virtual tour of the Rice Museum in Georgetown
