The History of Myrtle Beach

Dusty Rhodes • January 13, 2020

Happy Monday! It's a new year, and with new years come thoughts of beginnings. And of course, beginnings make me think of where we started. Today, I thought we would take a trip down memory lane and learn a little bit about the town that we at Dusty Rhodes Properties call home. Myrtle Beach has been a fixture in the state of South Carolina for decades, and while people from across the world come every year to enjoy it with us locals, it's nice to look back at what really makes Myrtle Beach the town that we know and love. So with that in mind, here's a look into the past, from Carolana.com:


Myrtle Beach was incorporated as a town in 1938 and became a city in 1957. Its name comes from the wax myrtle, a shrub that grows abundantly in the area. Our 25,000 permanent residents welcome millions of visitors to this full-service resort community of Horry County, South Carolina. Guests come to enjoy the wide beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, and an incredible range of activities, entertainment, golf, shopping, and dining.


History records that the first tourists here were a party of Spaniards from Hispaniola, who first landed about forty miles north of present-day Myrtle Beach in 1526 and eventually established the first European settlement in the US about 30 miles to the south. That settlement, San Miguel de Guadelupe at present-day Georgetown, was settled by Lucas Vasquez de Allyon, but abandoned the following year, and the group returned to Hispaniola.


In the next three centuries, the region's population grew, but slowly. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, people began to "vacation" here, although it was quite rustic. Houses and camps were sparse, and there were only few permanent residents at the turn of the century. But, drawn by the ocean, sand and trees, people began to call Myrtle Beach "home" as the 1900s progressed.


Today, Myrtle Beach is a well known destination for vacationers from around the country, Canada, and abroad. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the city is at the heart of the thirteenth fastest-growing metropolitan area in the US.


Before Europeans arrived on the coast of South Carolina, Native Americans were the sole residents, and they lived off the land and the bounty of the local waters. They were the Waccamaw and Winyah Indians, and they called the area "Chicora," which simply meant "the land." Although documented history of these tribes is scarce, evidence of their existence continues to turn up. Arrowheads have been found on the beach, riverbanks, and in farmers' fields. A burial mound was discovered on Waites Island near Little River. The remains of an Indian village were unearthed on Wachesaw Plantation near Murrells Inlet, including pottery shards, tools, and other artifacts. At the Horry County Museum in Conway, several exhibits shed light on what life was like for these early residents.


With the passing of centuries and the arrival of Europeans, the population and landscape began to change. English colonists laid out plans for Georgetown, the state's third oldest city, in 1729. Surrounded by rivers and marshlands, Georgetown became the center of America's rice empire. Crops of indigo, cotton, and lumber also contributed to the wealthy economy. A rich plantation culture took root here and flourished, in no small measure as a result of the diligence and manpower of African slaves, many with first-hand knowledge of rice cultivation from their homelands.


Before the American Civil War, wealthy plantation owners turned Pawleys Island into one of the first summer resorts on the Atlantic coast. Planters and their families spent summers on the cool, breezy island to avoid malaria and other deadly diseases associated with the more swampy, still conditions of the plantation sites. Historic cottages, inns, and other buildings still stand on Pawleys Island, which is in northern Georgetown County just a few miles south of Myrtle Beach.


After the American Civil War and the emancipation of slaves, Georgetown's rice plantation culture disappeared, leaving behind a rich history and culture that residents hold dear. Hopsewee and other historic plantations, Georgetown's Rice Museum, and Brookgreen Gardens offer glimpses into Georgetown's past. The Georgetown Historic District, with its historic churches and homes, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.


Horry County (pronounced "oh-ree" or "or-ee"), bounded by rivers on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, was cut off from the plantation culture that flourished elsewhere along the coast. Horry residents, in what is now the Conway area, were hardworking farmers, timbermen, and turpentine distillers who bartered for their necessities. A typical family in 1875 earned approximately $2.50 a year in what was nearly a cashless economy.


Until the 1900s, bridges and railroads from Conway to the beaches did not exist; only struggling farmers and fishermen inhabited these distant beaches. Eventually, in pursuit of summer recreation, families from Conway were ferried across the Waccamaw River and rode in wagons from the river to the beach - which was essentially completely devoid of any commercial development prior to 1900.


In 1900, Burroughs & Collins Company, a timber-turpentine firm with extensive beachfront holdings, began developing the resort potential of the Grand Strand by constructing a railroad to the beach - the Conway & Seacoast Railroad. The company built the first hotel, the Seaside Inn, in 1901. At that time, oceanfront lots sold for $25 to those with ready cash. Less affluent individuals could purchase a lot one row back and pay in yearly installments of $2.50. Buyers received an extra lot free if they built a home valued at $500 or more. Mrs. F. E. Burroughs, wife of the founder of the Burroughs & Collins Company, hosted (and won) a contest to name the town. Myrtle Beach was chosen because of the many wax myrtle trees growing wild along the shore. Prior to this, the villages was referred to as New Town or Newtown.


In 1912, Chicago businessman Simeon B. Chapin purchased property and invested capital in the town's development. Myrtle Beach's public park and adjacent library are named for him. Another landmark bearing his name is the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.


In the 1920s, a group of businessmen built an upscale resort called Arcady at the north end of the community. The legendary resort was the rage among affluent society and included the present Pine Lakes International Country Club, the area's first golf club (and birthplace of the magazine Sports Illustrated), and the grand Ocean Forest Hotel. The Ocean Forest, with its 300 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, health club, stables, and crystal chandeliers, remained the center of Myrtle Beach social life for nearly thirty years. The stately building was torn down in 1974 to allow for new development.


The Intracoastal Waterway was opened to pleasure boats and commercial shipping in 1936, and Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938. The Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was established in the 1940s and used for coastal patrols during World War II. The Myrtle Beach Pavilion opened in 1949 and continues to delight families year after year. Hurricanes have always played a crucial role in Myrtle Beach area history and development. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel demolished buildings and trees all along the Strand and, consequently, cleared the way for newer, larger hotels and homes.


During the 1960s, a golf boom began in which new courses were opened nearly every year. Today, the Grand Strand boasts more than 120 golf courses. In the 1970s and '80s, construction of attractions, homes, retail shops, and other developments increased steadily, triggering another boom in the early '90s that resulted in the Myrtle Beach area becoming one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. 


Phenomenal expansion and development have contributed to the Grand Strand's national reputation as a year-round resort, with numerous hotels, golf courses, restaurants, theaters, entertainment/shopping complexes, and attractions. Each year, nearly 13 million visitors come to the Grand Strand, and thousands of new residents relocate to the area.



Source: Carolana.com


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!


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What Everyone’s Getting Wrong About the Rise in New Home Inventory

By Dusty Rhodes • September 2, 2025
You may have seen talk online that new home inventory is at its highest level since the crash. And if you lived through the crash back in 2008, seeing new construction is up again may feel a little scary. But here’s what you need to remember: a lot of what you see online is designed to get clicks. So, you may not be getting the full story. A closer look at the data and a little expert insight can change your perspective completely. Why This Isn’t Like 2008 While it’s true the number of new homes on the market hit its highest level since the crash, that’s not a reason to worry. That’s because new builds are just one piece of the puzzle. They don’t tell the full story of what’s happening today. To get the real picture of how much inventory we have and how it compares to the surplus we saw back then, you’ve got to look at both new homes and existing homes (homes that were lived in by a previous owner). When you combine those two numbers , it’s clear overall supply looks very different today than it did around the crash ( see graph below ):

Homebuilders Are Relying More on Buyer Incentives To Battle Sluggish Market

By Dusty Rhodes • August 25, 2025
omebuilder sentiment remained weak in August, with the use of incentives hitting a post-COVID high as builders struggled to lure reluctant buyers off the sidelines. In August, 66% of builders reported using sales incentives such as discounts or mortgage rate buydowns , up from 62% in July and the highest percentage in at least five years, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released Monday. The survey showed that 37% of builders reported cutting prices in August—little changed from 38% in July. The average price reduction was 5% this month, where it has held steady since November. Overall builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 32 in August, down one point from July. Anything below 50 reflects negative homebuilder sentiment about the market. “Affordability continues to be the top challenge for the housing market and buyers are waiting for mortgage rates to drop to move forward,” said NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes . “Builders are also grappling with supply-side headwinds, including ongoing frustrations with regulatory policies connected to developing land and building homes.”

18 Reasons To Hire A Cleaning Service: Your Home Will Thank You

By Dusty Rhodes • August 18, 2025
Sooner or later, dust, dirt, crumbs, dander, hair, and other nameless debris build up on the surfaces of your furniture and begin to linger in the air of your home, requiring a deep and thorough clean. While many home cleaning projects can be addressed using standard supplies and a little elbow grease, others can be a more substantial undertaking that requires the need to hire a cleaning service. Bigger projects, like roof and exterior window cleaning, can require equipment, time, and safety precautions better left to professional cleaners. Likewise, delicate or valued items such as antique rugs or draperies, which may seem like easy cleaning tasks to undertake, can easily result in damage or fading if cleaned improperly. Whether you’re looking to get a jump-start on some spring cleaning for your apartment in Los Angeles, CA, increase the home value for your home in Atlanta, GA, or tackle some general home maintenance projects around your rental house in Portland, OR, here are 18 reasons why you should hire a cleaning service for just a little extra help. 1) Black or green areas are overpowering your roof’s appearance Have you noticed dark stains or green areas appearing on your roof? These substances are more than likely caused by algae, fungus, lichen, or moss, which can lead to shingle deterioration and wood rot if left unattended. Roofing generally doesn’t need regular cleaning, but when mold, algae, or soot residue starts to build up, it’s best to call in a professional. Proper cleaning extends the lifespan of your roofing materials or shingles and can even improve your home’s curb appeal . However, spending time on a roof can be very dangerous without the right safety equipment. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, the chemicals used to clean these substances off your roof can be caustic, meaning they can cause burns. Most roof cleaners contain sodium hypochlorite and occasionally zinc sulfate, so this is a job best left to the pros. Roofs should be cleaned as needed, generally once every few years. However, homes in areas with a harsher climate may need more regular attention. 2) Rainwater is overflowing from your gutters Gutters are often forgotten in our maintenance routines, but they play a crucial role in preventing water damage in a home, and neglecting them could have serious – and costly – effects in the long run. Efficient gutters will collect and divert rainwater or melted snow, preventing it from damaging walls and the foundation. However, leaves, sticks, dirt, and even birds nests can quickly clog gutters, compromising their functionality. One of the reasons to hire a cleaning service is that a professional cleaner has the necessary equipment to prevent the outlet from getting clogged by clearing leaves, soil, or organic debris that frequently collects in gutters. Standing and climbing up and down a ladder while rooting around in the gutters can also be a dangerous task for a homeowner, especially on larger homes with substantial gutter systems. Professional cleaners have the industrial-strength equipment needed to effectively clear out clogs and inspect your gutters to ensure no repairs are required. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year and potentially more frequently for homes under large trees or in seasons with heavy rainfall and high winds. 3) There’s a lack of natural light coming through your windows Windows are easy enough to clean on the inside, but outside can be another story. This is especially true for exterior windows in larger homes with multiple stories or condos that are part of a larger building. It might seem like a relatively simple job to clean your home’s exterior windows on your own, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Using too much detergent or not rinsing that detergent off properly after washing can cause more dust and grime to stick to windows over time, making the glass dirtier than before. Moreover, if you live in an area with frequent rainfall like Seattle, WA , or New Orleans, LA , getting your windows professionally cleaned before a rainstorm prevents dirt and dust residue from scratching up and sticking to the glass. In these cases, hiring a professional is the best way to guarantee clean windows. Regular cleaning of your home’s exterior windows will not only keep them looking their best it also protects the window glass from long-term damage. Exterior windows should be cleaned annually at a minimum, but ideally, twice a year in parts of the country with high pollen counts. 4) A whistling sound is coming from your furnace A furnace system is ultimately best left to the professionals, from installation to cleaning. Dust and dirt can accumulate on any surface over time, and furnaces are no exception. A definite reason to hire a cleaning service is that the average homeowner might miss places where grime and dirt can build up and may not have the proper tools to give furnace systems the thorough cleaning they need. High pitched whistling or scraping noises are signs that dust, dirt, hair, or, if you have pets, dander could be clogging your furnace, indicating that it’s due for a filter change or cleaning. A dusty furnace can also cause breakdowns in your heating system by restricting airflow and lead to higher energy bills even when you’re not using your furnace more than usual. Furnace cleaning, which includes cleaning the combustion chamber and replacing the oil filter, should be performed at least once a year and is best handled by a pro. Getting a professional to clean and maintain your furnace annually will not only save you money on expensive repairs in the long run but also remove the dust and debris that will inevitably build up throughout the year. 5) You start to notice the high traffic areas in your carpets Carpets are a major component in your home and are subjected to heavy use daily, so we naturally want them to look as pristine as possible. While vacuuming is a good intermediary to remove loose particles on the carpet’s surface, it may not be enough to keep carpets truly clean. Soil that is inevitably tracked in and left in the carpet for too long can work its way into the fibers, making their removal highly difficult. And, over time, carpets and area rugs can become perfect traps for bacteria, allergens, pollens, and other pollutants that are naturally in the air. A professional carpet cleaner extracts the hidden particles from your carpet, from caked-in stains to debris, and goes above and beyond what even at-home carpet cleaners can do. Plus, regular carpet cleaning can increase home value and prolongs your carpet’s performance and is key to maintaining a tidy home. High traffic areas may need cleaning as often as twice a year, while lesser-used areas of a home may need cleaning once a year or whenever stains or spots are visible. 6) Your antique or expensive rugs are beginning to show some wear Antique or luxe rugs, such as Persian or oriental rugs, aren’t a good fit for a DIY carpet cleaner. In most cases, these rugs are delicate and easily destroyed, making their care a reason to hire a cleaning service. Plus, improper drying could result in a moldy rug. Pros know how to best clean fibers without causing damage, altering color, or leaving stains. Plus, you’ll be extending the lifespan of your rugs by ensuring it’s getting the necessary care by a professional rug cleaner. Since antique rugs don’t need regular cleaning – every year or two is fine – you can maintain your rugs with regular vacuuming unless spills or other messes occur. 7) Your drapery appears discolored Decorating with drapery is a great way to quickly add visual interest to your space and block out sunlight. However, over time, drapes naturally start to collect dust, odors, and allergens and may pose a health issue for people with allergies. Simple curtains, like those made of cotton or polyester, can go in the washer, but others made of sensitive fabric, such as silk or linen, might require more significant attention. At a minimum, dry cleaning may be necessary to clean without causing damage. Another reason to hire a cleaning service is that if the proper treatment method isn’t listed clearly, a professional cleaner can provide guidance on the appropriate cleaning required to remove dust, dirt, mold, or mildew. Lighter drapes more prone to dirt should be cleaned every six months, while heavier window treatments need care at least once a year to remove dust or dirt. In between professional cleaning, you can keep your drapery clean by regularly dusting them. 8) You want to extend the life of your home Routine deep cleaning can go a long way to protecting your home investment. “Hiring a professional cleaning company reduces wear and tear on home surfaces,” says Eric Phan of Bellevue Clean , a cleaning company in Bellevue, WA. “Proper maintenance by professionals can extend the lifespan of materials like hardwood floors, tiles, countertops, and bathroom fixtures by using the right cleaning methods and products. This, in turn, also maintains the value of your home!” Francis, owner of 321Maids.com , a cleaning service in Melbourne, FL, seconds this use of a professional cleaning service. “A professional cleaning service doesn’t just improve cleanliness — it helps protect your investment,” says Francis. “Regular deep cleans can extend the life of your furnishings, flooring, and fixtures, keeping your home in top condition and preventing costly repairs down the line.” 9) You’re moving and don’t want to deal with one more thing For those leaving their home for the next chapter in their lives, doing a deep clean is the last you want to do after packing the car. “ After moving out, a deep cleaning service helps restore the space to pristine condition, perfect for meeting landlord expectations or preparing for the next occupant,” shares Memo Ceballos, owner of Magic House Clean , a cleaning service in the Bay Area. “Professionals handle every detail, from baseboards to appliances so that you can focus on your next chapter stress-free.” 10) You’ve got your hands full with the kids When the kids are a handful, it gives you a great reason to hire a cleaning service. “For families with young kids, the mess can feel never-ending, and many parents tell us they’ve felt like they’re constantly falling behind,” says Theo from Bothell Cleaning , a cleaning service in Bothell, WA. Theo adds, “Toys scattered across the floor, sticky countertops, and laundry piling up can quickly turn into a source of daily stress. But once a regular cleaning schedule is in place, the entire dynamic shifts. The home feels calmer, routines run smoother, and parents feel more in control. It’s not just about cleanliness, it’s about creating a more peaceful environment for everyone.” 11) You’re preparing to stage your home for sale A clean home will help attract prospective buyers. “Hiring a cleaning service ensures your property is always show-ready, helping to attract buyers and tenants faster. Let us handle the details so you can focus on closing deals,” says Trisha Coffin of Sparkle and Shine , a cleaning service in Lincoln, NE. 12) Allergens are making you sneeze and sneeze If the dust mites are starting to get to you, but you don’t have time to do it yourself, that’s a good reason to hire a cleaning service. “Work, family, and life’s many demands can crowd out the time — and energy — needed to give your home the deep, healthy clean it deserves,” says Felix DuBose, owner of Pine & Soda , a commercial cleaning company in Seattle, WA. Felix adds, “A professional cleaning service removes hidden allergens and grime with commercial‑grade tools and eco‑friendly products, protecting both your investment and your well‑being while freeing up precious hours for what matters most.” 13) Something smells funky and you don’t know what it is or where it’s coming from Mystery smells are always no fun. If you’re tired of getting on your hands and knees, call a professional. “Hiring a cleaning company means saying farewell to those mystery smells you’ve been ignoring for way too long,” says Jennifer, owner and managing partner at Exceptional Home Clean . She adds, “Professional cleaners use top-quality products and techniques to eliminate odors at the source — not just mask them — giving your space a fresh, truly clean feel. Instead of spending hours scrubbing and guessing which product works best, let the experts handle it so you can breathe easy.” 14) Routine cleaning isn’t hacking it anymore Even the cleanest rooms need a deep cleaning every once in a while. “When grime creeps into grout lines, baseboards, and ceiling fan blades, quick wipe-downs no longer cut it and busy schedules push deep cleaning to the bottom of the to-do list,” shares Grayson Hogard of Futura Cleaning , a cleaning service for folks in Washington, Oregon, California, and Colorado. “A professional cleaning team arrives with the right equipment and a detailed checklist that reaches every corner, erasing stains, dust, and hidden allergens while protecting delicate finishes. The result is a healthier, brighter home, and evenings you can spend relaxing rather than scrubbing.” 15) You’re facing a cleaning problem that only professionals can tackle For anything potentially dangerous, it’s always a good call to bring in a professional. “When facing situations that go beyond everyday cleaning — like biohazards, rodent droppings, hoarding, or trauma scenes — Bio-One of Oceanside offers the expertise and care needed to restore your space safely,” says Doug, General Manager of Bio-One , a cleaning company in Oceanside, CA. 16) Stress is taking over A dirty space can cause additional stress, and if you’re already nearing your limit, call in a professional. “Life gets hectic and between work, friends, family, and everything else on your plate, that professional clean you know you should get is always moved down on the to-do list,” says Mopstar Cleaners , a home cleaning service in Phoenix, AZ. “A top-to-bottom, deep clean by Mopstar Cleaners doesn’t just transform how your home feels but also how you feel in it, all without the stress and exhaustion of doing it yourself.” For Dana Chequis of Ace of Maids Cleaning , a cleaning service in Salmon Arm, BC, coming home to a clean house is a gift. “Stress-free cleaning and coming home to a clean and fresh-smelling home is worth every penny. So much easier to have someone else do the work while I’m at work,” says Dana. To sum it up, hiring a cleaning service is like hitting an easy button for your life. “Your baseboards sparkle, your fridge no longer looks like a science experiment, and your weekends are yours again,” says Blake Hickman of SA Cleaning Service , a cleaning service in San Antonio, TX. “In today’s busy world, trading hours of scrubbing for a professionally cleaned home is not just convenient, it’s a smart investment in your most valuable resource: time.” 17) You need some time back If you’re running out of hours in the day, hiring a cleaning service can get you back the time you need. “Hiring a cleaning service isn’t just about having a tidy home — it’s about gaining back time, mental clarity, and a sense of control,” says Peter of Seattle Cleaning . “When life gets busy or your space starts to feel more chaotic than cozy, bringing in pros can make all the difference.” In today’s busy world, it’s hard to find the time to focus on cleaning. “Nowadays, most families require 2 parents to work to make ends meet. If they have children, their schedules are even more demanding, with school, activities, homework, and sporting events,” says Regine Farr of Cleanest By Farr , a cleaning service in Lincoln, Nebraska. “The last thing most families have on their priority list is to take the time to thoroughly clean and disinfect their homes. Even when selling their homes, people just do not have the time to get it cleaned up enough to get it on the market. In my years of cleaning, I cannot count how many times I have been told, ‘I don’t know what I would do without you and your cleaning service’” Brooke Lutes of Affordable Cleaning Services , a cleaning service for Northern Virginia, agrees that life can get in the way. “Life gets busy, and before you know it, the dust settles, the windows lose their shine, and the bathrooms get dirty. At Affordable Cleaning Services, we make it easy for you to reset—with a consistent team you choose, customized care, and that fresh, polished feeling your home deserves,” says Brooke. 18) You need some time with family For those with the funds, hiring a cleaning service can give you some much-needed time with your family. “Life gets busy, and cleaning often takes away precious moments you could spend relaxing, enjoying your family, or pursuing personal interests,” says April Prothero, founder of Going GreenHouse , a home cleaning service in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale, AZ. “Professional house cleaners have specialized tools and experience to tackle dirt and grime efficiently. Hiring experts means your home looks good and feels cleaner without the stress and hassle of doing it yourself.” The team at Select Home Cleaning , a home cleaning service in Florida seconds this use of a cleaning service. “In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a clean and healthy living space can easily fall by the wayside,” says Select Home Cleaning. “Hiring a cleaning service not only restores your home’s sparkle but also provides you with invaluable time to focus on what truly matters, whether it’s family, career, or personal well-being. A professional cleaning service ensures a consistently clean environment, contributing to a healthier and more enjoyable home.” In conclusion, sometimes you need a little help From hard-to-reach roof grime and overflowing gutters to delicate rugs and persistent allergens, keeping a home clean isn’t always a simple task, and it often requires more than just a quick vacuum or dusting. “Hiring a professional cleaning service makes keeping a spotless home effortless and stress-free,” says Wendy Montenegro and the team at Clean Splendid LLC , a cleaning service in Snohomish and King County, “Whether you want to renovate your space, tackle tough stains or prepare for a big move, cleaning experts offer customized solutions to suit your needs. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a clean and inviting home while saving time and energy.”  Whether you’re staging your home for sale, juggling a busy family life, or simply craving a fresh start, bringing in the experts can be the smartest investment you make for your space — and your peace of mind. After all, your home works hard for you — it’s time to return the favor.