Towards the end of the 18th century, settlers discovered that the swampy lowlands of South Carolina would make ideal growing conditions for rice. The rapid and widespread harvesting of the grain in this area transformed its fortunes making it one of the wealthiest regions in the whole of the United States. At its peak, the region produced nearly half of the entire country’s rice. This charming museum is dedicated to documenting this fascinating period of US history.
Housed in a pretty mid-19th century clock tower called the Old Market Building, the Rice Museum gives an interesting insight into the methods used to produce the crop. Learn about the widespread use of African slaves and the economic effects production had on the region. You can also see the original preserved machinery on display along with other relevant artefacts.
Allow a whole day for your visit to the museum, which will give you time to explore Georgetown where the museum is situated. Nearby attractions include the France Mario National Forest, which offers some wonderful hiking terrain.
The town has several other points of interest including the Maritime Museum Gallery, which is just next door to the Rice Museum in the Kaminski Hardware Building. There are plenty of fascinating exhibits here, including the Browns Ferry Vessel, a general purpose freighter built in 1730 and which is the oldest vessel still on display anywhere in the country. To get the most out of your visit, you can book a guided tour of both the Kaminski Hardware and Old Market building, where you will find volunteers who have a wealth of local historical knowledge. Or simply take some time to explore at your own pace.
The town itself is steeped in history. Many of the houses and civic buildings were built before the civil war and offer a glimpse of how the town would have looked back then. To enjoy views along the banks of the Sampit River, take a trip to nearby Lafayette Park.
Situated in Georgetown, the Rice Museum is just under an hour’s drive from downtown Myrtle Beach. It is open daily except for Sundays and major public holidays. There is a fee for admission to the museum, but children under 6 get in free.
