Georgetown in Georgetown County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Rice is King
Rice was introduced to the area as early as 1690, but did not become a major crop until after the Revolutionary War. Local planters made large fortune cultivating rice - Carolina Gold - in the area's low-lying river estuaries. This crop required a large labor force which meant more African slaves were imported. The slave population was about 85% of the total population of the County throughout the 1800's. Though spared much of the ravages of the War Between the States, the social, political and economic upheaval that followed caused the rice culture to ultimately collapse. Without slave labor to cultivate the rice crop, most of the plantations were doomed. A series of severe hurricanes in the late 1900's delivered a final, devastating blow which ended the rice culture of Georgetown.
Erected by Port of Georgetown.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1690.
Location. 33° 21.9′ N, 79° 16.967′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, South Carolina, in Georgetown County. Marker can be reached from Harborwalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Georgetown SC 29440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. South Carolina’s Third Oldest City (a few steps from this marker); Marquis de Lafayette (within shouting distance of this marker); Town Clock / Kaminski Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Sinking Of The USS Harvest Moon (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rice Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); 718 Front Street (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 724 Front Street (about 500 feet away); 726 Front Street (about 500 feet away); Ship’s Propeller (about 500 feet away); Life on the Rivers of Georgetown (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2017, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 8, 2017, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.