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The History of The Grand Strand
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South Carolina's Grand Strand is a sixty-mile stretch of coastline that has become one of the top vacation destinations in the United States. The area's spectacular beauty, great climate, and abundance of recreational opportunities draw over 13 million visitors a year.
Until the early 1900's, this region was largely uninhabited. The Burroughs and Collins Company began developing the Myrtle Beach area, building the beach's first hotel, the Seaside Inn. The community was called New Town until the local newspaper held a contest to name the town, and it became Myrtle Beach. Oceanfront lots originally sold here for $25, and buyers received an extra lot for free if they built a house valued at $500 or more.
Development continued through the next few decades. Myrtle Beach's first golf club was built, the Pine Lakes International Country Club. It is the birthplace of Sports Illustrated magazine. A host of resorts began to dot the landscape, and in 1936 the Intracoastal Waterway was opened for boating and commercial shipping.
In 1938 Myrtle Beach incorporated, and became a city in 1957. Hurricane Hazel (in 1954) damaged the area but the end result was a new building boom that has continued to the present day. Golf became a growing industry here in the 1960's, and Myrtle Beach is now known as the Golf Capital of the United States.
In addition to its reputation as a wonderful place to vacation, the region has become a popular relocation and retirement spot. Myrtle Beach and Horry County are ranked the second fastest growing area in the country.
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