Roofing company in Georgetown, SC

GEORGETOWN — Joseph McGill has been sleeping in former slave dwellings for 15 years.

His work is inspired, not by what he learned in school, but what he didn’t.

"When I graduated from Kingstree High School, I was under the impression that my enslaved ancestors were happy to be enslaved and the enslavers were benevolent," he said. "None of that was true, but it took additional research for me to figure that out."

McGill began The Slave Dwelling Project to educate the public about the lives and legacy of enslaved people in the United States. He’s now slept in more than 250 former slave quarters and holds living history events and campfire conversations to share what he’s learned.

On Nov. 15, McGill and other members of The Slave Dwelling Project attended Georgetown County’s inaugural Sweet Potato Festival to share other aspects of Black history that aren’t always taught, including the role of Black people in the Revolutionary War.

As attendees milled about the grounds of Hobcaw Barony, they passed former slave cabins and Friendfield Church, which was attended by enslaved people and rebuilt in 1890. Reenactors in period clothing stood by a fire. Sharp, savory cooking aromas drifted over vendor booths and a table where visitors sampled sweet potato pie.

The festival was held to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution and the contributions of Black and Indigenous people.

McGill took the stage as a living historian to tell the story of Oscar Marion, an enslaved man who lived and fought at the side of famed American military officer Francis Marion. McGill said he hopes to use the story as an avenue to explore the broader experience of Black people during the revolution.

Many fought on the sides of both the Patriots and the Loyalists, he said. And there were other enslaved people who assisted military officers like Oscar Marion did.

"We're going to use the nucleus of the story to radiate out from there, so that we can tell other stories," McGill said. "Because there are other Oscars out there."

Ken Baeszler, chairman of the Georgetown County 250 Executive Committee, said although there were more than 400 battles and skirmishes fought on South Carolina soil during the Revolutionary War, it’s important to highlight the state’s lesser-known contributions and what life was like during that time.

"There was other people involved during this period, and it’s important to get this front and center, to make sure everybody understands that it wasn’t just about the battles," he said.

Corey Alston, a fifth-generation sweetgrass basket maker from Mount Pleasant, helped provide historical and cultural context for the time period. He stood in front of a booth displaying intricate baskets and woven flowers while curious festival-goers browsed the items. The collection was partly his work and partly the work of his wife, Karen Alston.

Corey Alston described how sweetgrass baskets were an instrumental tool in shaping the Lowcountry, as they were used by enslaved people to clean raw rice.

"Rice was the staple of our community that made us who we are today,” he said. "The Carolinas became the wealthiest states for years on the back of the enslaved. I’m a descendent of them. So we couldn’t have a festival without having sweetgrass.”

Alston makes sweetgrass baskets to preserve his Gullah heritage. He said speaking about and displaying his work helps to keep the tradition alive.

The festival also celebrated the sweet potato, another unsung hero of the revolution. The crop was used to sustain soldiers and the public during the war. A sweet potato pie baking contest was held and information was shared about sweet potato water and tea.

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WPDE) — An innovative living shoreline project is underway along the South Carolina coast, aiming to restore natural habitats and combat erosion.

Elizabeth Fly, who leads The Nature Conservancy's resilience team, has been overseeing the project at Morgan Park, where the Sampit River meets Winyah Bay in Georgetown.

"It's really important to me that this one works. And every time I come out here, I'm a little bit nervous. A little relief and excitement," Fly said. "You spend so much time working on something like this, and then when you see it happening in real time and working in real time, it's just so rewarding."

Over the past five months, Fly has witnessed significant changes at the site, which was previously eroding into a beach.

"We were seeing a shoreline that was obviously eroding. It looks very sandy, it looks very beach-like, but it's not supposed to be that way," Fly said. "This is naturally a vegetated shoreline, and we worked with the city of Georgetown and realized that if nothing's done, Morgan Park would eventually go away. So that's where we worked together to try to come up with a plan."

The project, supported by community volunteers and private donors from the Boyd Foundation, involved constructing a wood-based living shoreline with breakwater pilings, fencing, and crates.

"There are horizontal branches along the bottom of that, and that is trapping the sediment and the sand as it's passing through. And then as you get further on shore, we have these, what we call manufactured water reefs. They're also doing a great job of trapping the sand and the sediment, and then further up on shore, you have another wooden feature called a wattle fence, and that's up on shore. And again, just traps sediment as the water washes through."

Although limited in geographic scope, it is designed to influence broader conservation strategies across the state, according to those involved in the project.

"The whole point is to let nature grow into itself, and so it increases its efficiency and effectiveness over time," Fly said. "Nature is resilient, and nature has these solutions that we can really utilize. Projects like these, you know, help educate people about that and bring awareness."

Last week, The Nature Conservancy was awarded grant funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Transformational Habitat and Coastal Resilience grant program to increase the scale and accessibility of living shorelines and nature-based solutions across coastal South Carolina. SCOR announced the funding will be for a multi-year grant program. TNC plans to offer private landowners and communities the opportunity to protect their properties and community spaces from shoreline erosion through the implementation of living shorelines.

You can learn more about the application process here.

A dispute over a land conservation agreement that protects a historic South Carolina rice plantation from development has been quietly settled after three years of litigation.

But the financial compromise didn't address, at least not publicly, the questions the case originally raised about state and federal tax breaks.

The lawsuit was brought in 2022 by the owners of Weehaw Plantation off U.S. Highway 701 in Georgetown County, near the confluence of the Pee Dee and Black rivers.

About 744 acres of the property were protected by a previous owner in late 1995 under a conservation easement that provided, as a financial incentive, tax deductions. The legally binding agreement restricted development on most of the coastal recreational retreat that totals more than 1,000 acres.

A copy of the original document filed with Georgetown County stated that the goal was to protect scenic views that are visible from public roads and ensure an "ecologically stable environment" for native plants and local wildlife. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is among the species on the property.

It was in 2008 when Georgetown Memorial Hospital bought about 65 acres from Weehaw's then-owners, eyeing it as a possible future expansion site up the road from its main medical campus. As part of the deal, the land easement was revised to exclude that portion from the development restrictions.

The changes came under scrutiny years later, after Weehaw was recombined and sold in two transactions in 2010 and 2013 to a family business owned in part by Nevada resident Jim Murren, who once ran MGM Resorts International. He’s now interim CEO of the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority as well as co-chairman of Cirque de Soleil Entertainment Group.

The Las Vegas casino mogul's MST LLC paid $6.4 million for the Lowcountry getaway and quietly went about its business — until March 2022. The family company sued Georgetown Memorial to reinstate the original easement after the hospital tried to sell its land to an affordable-housing developer.

MST argued that the agreement called for the neighboring tract to "be encumbered in perpetuity."

It also stated that carving out the land from the 1995 easement violated state and federal laws because prior owners had already claimed the tax breaks.

Georgetown Memorial pushed back. It countered that Weehaw's owners didn't utter a peep until the housing project came to light. The hospital further alleged the underlying motive was to keep its parcel "from being used in a manner that MST and other neighboring landowners perceive will lower their own property values."

Georgetown Memorial also pointed out that MST explicitly agreed to the 2008 easement changes when it bought Weehaw.

The lawsuit lingered in U.S. District Court in downtown Charleston until late September, when a negotiated binding settlement was presented to Judge David Norton

In his order approving the deal, he wrote that "the parties have litigated this action for more than three years and have determined that their respective interests are best served by a compromise and settlement, without ... admitting liability or fault, to end years of litigation among them and avoid the risk of an uncertain outcome."

The financial terms were confidential, but cash is changing hands. The owners of Weehaw who sold the land in 2008 will pay an undisclosed sum to the hospital, which in turn will cut a check to MST. An out-of-state group that manages the conservation agreement also will receive some of the settlement funds.

Neither Georgetown Memorial parent Tidelands Health nor the attorneys who represented the hospital and MST responded to multiple requests for comment.

In the end, they ended up about where they started nearly four years ago. The status quo for the Georgetown Memorial tract is unchanged. It can be developed, with a limit of five homes per acre. It's listed for sale, with an asking price of $3.5 million.

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCSC) - Georgetown leaders answered community questions in the annual ‘State of our Community’ forum.

Leaders across the county, including members from the town of Pawsley’s Island and the Town of Andrews addressed infrastructure projects and economic developments on Thursday morning.

Many topics address the need for workforce housing, drainage improvements and balancing the area’s growing development.

County council chairman Clint Elliot says the opportunity lets the community know how governments are progressing on projects.

“We see it in parts, small parts, but when you go back and you look at it as a whole, you realize there’s a lot of things you’ve accomplished,” Elliot says. ”And this is sort of a way for us to realize what we’ve done and what we can do and where we need to be at.”

Updates on the future sites of two large mills were a topic of discussion. City of Georgetown Mayor Carol Jayroe says the is expected to be completed in early January.

Jayroe revealed the Liberty Steel Mill is currently under contract with a developer. She says industrial, green space and housing opportunities are to come for the site. The mayor says an official announcement of the development will be released in the future.

Elliot says leaders are working closely with developers of the sites to identify the county’s vision.

City councilmember Tamika Williams-Obeng was born and raised in the area. Williams-Obeng says she looks forward to seeing how the new development will add to the area. She hopes there will be a balance that works for everyone.

“As a native, I know that it can be hard to accept the newness that’s coming in. There’s something for everyone,” Williams-Obeng says. “Whether you are a native, whether you are just visiting or moving into town. I think this is a great opportunity for growth and just creativity. New ideas.”

Williams-Obeng urges the community to participate in informational events and share their voice.

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I recently made a road trip through South Carolina, a region I enjoy as much as my home state of Florida. Halfway through the trip, I had the distinct pleasure of spending a night in the historic port city of Georgetown on the Hammock Coast, and it was a highlight of my journey. The town has always been on my bucket list, and I was not disappointed.

Georgetown has all the elements needed for a beautiful travel destination: history, culture, and incredible cuisine. These are the aspects that define a region and give it character and style. While many destinations are overrun with venues, crowds, and fads that make travel a hassle, smaller locations offer a breath of fresh air and a much-desired distraction. This is an ideal situation for me, and this historic river town underscores the importance of seeking out smaller locales for a more intimate experience.

Front Street: Where Shopping Meets History

The Sampit River runs close to Front Street, Georgetown's main strip, adding natural beauty to the compact, charming downtown. It is also a significant part of Georgetown's past, serving as a hub for commercial trade. The town was laid out in 1729, when businesses and homes were erected on the land side of Front Street. By the mid-18th century, property owners realized the capital that could be earned by selling riverfront lots, and Front Street became a hub for new stores specializing in wagons, furniture, and other necessities of the era.

Georgetown does not have any chain retailers, but it has a host of local boutiques and clothiers, which add to its distinct character. Front Street includes shops like Georgie Girl and Whimsy Warehouse, interspersed between unique museums and the iconic The George Hotel, each offering views of the slow-moving Sampit River as a scenic backdrop.

The George Hotel

The George Hotel on Front Street is a local landmark, offering sophisticated rooms and striking decor, and is home to The Independent, a fine-dining restaurant and bar. The boutique hotel overlooks Winyah Bay and is adjacent to Harborwalk Marina, offering views of the moored sailboats and motor yachts, adding to its decor. It is an excellent choice for those who want to stay in the heart of historic downtown and near the cultural attractions that line the narrow road.

The lobby opens to an expansive hallway lined with artwork and framed photos, giving The George a cozy feel. Wood-paneled walls and ceilings add to the allure, making guests feel at home in the upscale boutique hotel. Past the reception desk is a fabulous indoor tunnel with elegant paintings adorning the entire surface, promising that the rooms ahead will be unique. The luxury rooms come in a variety of sizes, including a suite with a balcony and others with waterfront views, enhancing the hotel's stunning features.

The Independent

The Independent is in The George's lobby, as well as Eliza's bar. The intimate dining room, with expansive windows offering views of Front Street and pedestrians, is an elegant setting without being stuffy, something I have noticed a lot in South Carolina establishments. Textured walls and low lighting create the perfect ambiance for the menu, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. An interesting feature is an open kitchen, which is always a fascinating study of the world of fine-dining preparation and the work required to serve such a sophisticated menu.

The ingredient-driven seafood restaurant and raw bar showcases the local fisherman, farmers, and purveyors of the surrounding Lowcountry, and its name is a nod to the community's former seafood market. Menu offerings include seasonal Southern items, raw offerings (including peel-and-eat shrimp and little neck clams), and a nice wine list for pairing. The menu items are well thought out and provide a tasty view of the local seafood industry, as well as heirloom vegetables and a signature Carolina Pileau, featuring Carolina Gold Rice, Lump Crab, and Andouille Sausage.

Local Museums to Explore

The commercial strip where The George and The Independent are located features The Rice Museum and the S.C. Maritime Museum, each offering a distinctive perspective on the Low Country. The first museum highlights the state's maritime heritage, a critical aspect of the economy since its settlement. Exhibits include historic vessels, shipwrecks that shed light on the role of the sea in shaping the Lowcountry's past and present. This was one of my favorite galleries to explore as a former Merchant Marine and Navy buff.

The Rice Museum tells the story of Georgetown's legacy as the rice capital of the United States, featuring exhibits on plantation life, artifacts, and the history of the crop that built the region's prosperity. Down the road is the Kaminski House Museum, a beautifully preserved antebellum home showcasing 18th- and 19th-century furnishings, decorative arts, and architecture. Visiting each one gave me an authentic sense of how this area evolved economically and culturally.

I headed over to King Street to visit the Gullah Museum, an integral part of South Carolina's heritage that has always intrigued me. The gallery preserves and shares the unique traditions, language, and culture of the Gullah Geechee people and tells the story of how they shaped South Carolina. Each one gave me an interesting backstory that, when combined, paints a picture of the vital ways of life in the Palmetto State and left me with a deeper appreciation for how the region developed and how the memory is being preserved and carried on.

South Carolina is by far one of my places to visit, and each trip reveals a new aspect, like layers being peeled back from an onion. I am always impressed by the region's commitment to preserving its heritage and the efforts to carry its legacy forward. Georgetown is a shining example of this work, and the historic district underscores its importance. The combination of boutiques and historic sites embodies South Carolina's spirit through its architecture and dynamic waterfront setting.

The George is the perfect place to immerse yourself in this heritage, offering luxury settings with an at-home feel. The marina just behind the elegant brick structure is a tangible look into the Low Country's past, providing a glimpse into how the area developed. Georgetown is one of those destinations that draws me in, and spending a day in the historic district enabled me to peek behind the curtain and see the inner workings of this astonishing region.