Georgetown in Georgetown County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Winyah Indigo Society

Photographed by J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008

1. Winyah Indigo Society Marker

Inscription.
Springing from the fervor for indigo, the colony’s vital new crop for making blue dye, the Winyah Indigo Society was begun in 1755 and incorporated 1757 to ensure stronger financial support for the free school which it had founded. Thomas Lynch was then president of the society, which also maintained a library and served as an intellectual center. The 1857 building here was used by Union forces during the Civil War.

Erected 1983 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History; sponsored by Winyah Indigo Society. (Marker Number 22-16.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1755.

Location. 33° 21.909′ N, 79° 16.746′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, South Carolina, in Georgetown County. It is at the intersection of Prince Street and Cannon Street, on the right when traveling east on Prince Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Georgetown SC 29440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee

and on Waccamaw Neck.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Winyah Indigo Society (here, next to this marker); South Carolina Champion Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Market Building (about 600

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feet away, measured in a direct line); Ward-Bull House (about 600 feet away); Elisha Screven / William Screven (about 600 feet away); Screven Cemetery (about 700 feet away); John and Mary Perry Cleland House (about 700 feet away); 601 - 603 Front Street (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.

Regarding Winyah Indigo Society. The society was chartered by King George II in 1758. It’s predecessor was the Convivial Club which was organized in 1740. It is one of the oldest still active social club in the country.

Winyah Indigo Society Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008

2. Winyah Indigo Society Hall

Photo was taken during the annual Winyah Bay Heritage Festival.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 4,167 times since then and 310 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.