Myrtle Beach history

The history of Myrtle Beach is a fascinating journey from a secluded coastline to one of the most popular resorts in the eastern United States. The city, which owes its development to tourism, has gone through several key stages of formation.

Foundation and First Mentions

Before the arrival of Europeans, these lands, known as Long Bay, were inhabited by the Waccamaw Native American tribe. The first attempts at colonization in the 18th century were not very successful, as the sandy soils were unsuitable for agriculture and the cultivation of crops such as tobacco and indigo. The modern history of the city begins at the turn of the 20th century. A key event was the construction of the railway, initiated by the timber company Burroughs & Collins. In 1900, the settlement received its current name — Myrtle Beach — in honour of the numerous wax myrtles growing in the area. The name was chosen through a contest.

Key Factors of Formation

Its geographical location on the Atlantic coast became the main factor determining the city's destiny. The development of Myrtle Beach as a resort would have been impossible without several elements:

• Transport Accessibility: The arrival of the railway in 1900 opened access to the coast for holidaymakers and investors.
• Entrepreneurial Initiative: The Burroughs & Collins company, initially engaged in logging, saw potential in tourism and began actively developing resort infrastructure, building the first hotel, the Seaside Inn, in 1901.
• Appeal to Developers: In the early 20th century, oceanfront plots were sold at affordable prices (around 25 dollars), which stimulated the construction of private homes and hotels.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, the economy of Myrtle Beach was oriented towards tourism. While turpentine and timber previously provided the main income, with the advent of hotels and transport connections, the beaches became the primary resource. Cultural life formed around leisure and entertainment for visitors. The construction of pavilions, amusement parks, and golf courses laid the foundation for the hospitality industry, which remains the city's hallmark today. By the 1920s and 1940s, the city was already experiencing steady growth, strengthening its status as a popular holiday destination.

Chronology of Myrtle Beach Development

From Native American trails to a thriving resort, the history of Myrtle Beach is full of significant events that shaped its modern appearance. Here are the key moments in chronological order.

• Pre-1800s: The lands known as Long Bay were inhabited by Native Americans of the Waccamaw tribe.
• 1900: The settlement, previously called "New Town", receives the name Myrtle Beach in honour of the local wax myrtles, and the construction of the railway connecting the coast to the mainland is completed.
• 1901: The first major hotel, the Seaside Inn, opens, marking the beginning of the tourism era.
• 1936: Myrtle Beach State Park opens to the public, one of the first in South Carolina, created as part of territorial development programmes.
• 1938: Myrtle Beach officially receives the status of an incorporated town.
• 1940s: The Myrtle Beach Army Air Base begins operations, playing an important role as a training centre during World War II.
• 1948: The legendary Myrtle Beach Pavilion amusement park opens, becoming the heart of resort life for several decades.
• 1954: The devastating Hurricane Hazel causes serious damage to the coast, which, however, stimulates a wave of new, more modern construction.
• 1957: The settlement's status is upgraded to a city, and it officially becomes the City of Myrtle Beach.
• 1993: The official closure of the US Air Force Base occurs, freeing up significant territories for civilian development.
• 1995: The large-scale entertainment complex Broadway at the Beach opens, quickly becoming one of the main attractions for tourists.
• 2006: The historic Myrtle Beach Pavilion park ceases operations after 58 years, leaving behind a rich legacy.
• 2008: On the site of the former airbase, The Market Common opens — a modern district combining shops, restaurants, and residential quarters in an "urban village" style.

Key Milestones in Myrtle Beach's Development

The transformation of Myrtle Beach from a secluded coast into one of the main resorts of the Atlantic was the result of several key transformations. These stages defined its economic, cultural, and urban appearance.

• Construction of the Railway (1900): The advent of rail connections became the starting point for the city's development. It linked the isolated coast with the rest of the country, opening the way for the timber industry and, more importantly, for the first tourists. This laid the foundation for a hospitality-oriented economy.
• Incorporation and Becoming a City (1938–1957): Officially obtaining the status of a town in 1938, and then a full-fledged city in 1957, created an administrative basis for managed growth. This allowed for the implementation of urban planning standards, the development of public services, and the formation of a unified urban identity.
• Establishment of the Air Force Base (1940s – 1993): The US Army Air Base, active during World War II and subsequent decades, was a powerful economic engine. It ensured a steady influx of population and investment, diversifying the economy and reducing its dependence on seasonal tourism.
• Aftermath of Hurricane Hazel (1954): Despite its destructive nature, the hurricane became a catalyst for large-scale modernization. It destroyed many old wooden structures, which stimulated a wave of new construction. In their place appeared more durable and modern hotels and buildings, radically changing the look of the seafront.
• Development of the Golf Industry (Second half of the 20th century): The strategic transformation of the city into the "Golf Capital" allowed it to attract a new, more affluent audience of tourists and extend the tourist season into spring and autumn. This was an important step in diversifying the tourism offering.
• Opening of Major Entertainment Complexes (Since 1995): The appearance of centres such as Broadway at the Beach marked a transition from traditional beach holidays to a comprehensive entertainment resort format. This strengthened Myrtle Beach's status as one of the main centres for family recreation on the East Coast.
• Redevelopment of the Airbase Territory (2008): The transformation of the airbase, closed in 1993, into the modern district of The Market Common is a vivid example of successful urban planning. A popular "urban village" with shops, restaurants, and residential areas emerged on the site of the military facility, attracting new residents and investors to the city.

The architecture of Myrtle Beach is a visual history of the city's transformation into a popular resort. Unlike ancient cities, you will not find Gothic or Renaissance styles here. Its appearance was formed throughout the 20th and 21st centuries under the influence of tourism, commerce, and climatic features. The development of the city can be divided into several key architectural stages.

Early Resort Style (Early 20th Century)

The first buildings in Myrtle Beach were primarily functional and modest. These were simple wooden cottages, boarding houses, and pavilions built for the first holidaymakers. A bright example was the first hotel, the Seaside Inn (1901), which set the tone for coastal development. This style can be characterized as coastal vernacular architecture, where convenience and proximity to the ocean were paramount, rather than architectural refinements.

The Era of Modernism and "Doo Wop" Style (Mid-20th Century)

A turning point in the architectural development of the city was Hurricane Hazel in 1954. It destroyed many old wooden buildings, which served as an impetus for large-scale renewal. In the post-war period, on a wave of optimism and the automobile boom, a style close to "Doo Wop" and Mid-Century Modern flourished in Myrtle Beach. It was characterized by bright neon signs, bold geometric shapes, asymmetric roofs, and the use of new materials. Dozens of motels along the main streets became the hallmark of this period, attracting tourists with their futuristic and playful design.

Era of High-Rises and Modern Complexes (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

Starting from the 1970s, the city's appearance began to change radically with the emergence of high-rise hotels and condominiums. The desire to provide as many rooms with an ocean view as possible led to a construction boom along the coastline. The architecture of these buildings is predominantly modern and functional, aimed at maximum commercial return. During this same period, large entertainment complexes appear, such as Broadway at the Beach (1995), which represent thematic "villages" with shops and restaurants created for tourist entertainment.

Modern Urban Planning and "New Urbanism"

An example of a modern approach to urban planning is the The Market Common district, opened in 2008 on the site of the former airbase. This project is executed in the concept of "New Urbanism", creating a self-sufficient space where residential houses, shops, restaurants, and parks are within walking distance. This contrasts with the linear development along the coast typical for resorts and demonstrates a transition towards creating a more comfortable and multifunctional urban environment.

Famous Personalities of Myrtle Beach

The city of Myrtle Beach and its surroundings have become a starting point or home for many talented and influential people. From television stars to cultural pioneers — here are some of the outstanding personalities whose names are closely connected with this resort.

• Vanna White — TV presenter, actress. A native of nearby North Myrtle Beach, she gained worldwide fame as the permanent co-host of the popular American game show "Wheel of Fortune" since 1982. Her name has become synonymous with elegance on television.
• Dustin Johnson — Professional golfer. Although he was born in Columbia (South Carolina), it was in Myrtle Beach, while studying at Coastal Carolina University, that he honed his skills. Johnson became one of the world's best golfers, winning two majors, including the Masters Tournament in 2020.
• Madison Iseman — Actress. Born and raised in Myrtle Beach. She is known for her roles in Hollywood films such as "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" and "Annabelle Comes Home", as well as in television series.
• Mickey Spillane — Writer. The legendary author of hardboiled detective novels and creator of the character Mike Hammer spent the last years of his life in nearby Murrells Inlet, falling in love with the beauty of this region. A section of Highway U.S. 17 Business is named in his honour.
• Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington — Philanthropist and sculptor. This couple left a huge cultural legacy to the region. Anna was a world-renowned sculptor, and Archer was a patron of the arts. Together, they founded Brookgreen Gardens, one of the largest outdoor sculpture parks in the USA, and built a winter home in the Moorish style — the Atalaya castle.
• Calvin Gilmore — Producer, entrepreneur. Founder of the famous theatre The Carolina Opry, Gilmore played a key role in transforming Myrtle Beach into a major entertainment centre on the East Coast. His shows have received numerous awards and become an integral part of the city's cultural life.
• Anthony James — Actor. A native of Myrtle Beach, James was a character actor known for his roles as villains in film and television in the 1970s and 1980s. He can be seen in films such as "Return from Witch Mountain" and "The Naked Gun 2½".