Welcome to the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina, a place where history echoes through its landscapes and stories. This region, named after the Pee Dee River and the Indigenous Pee Dee tribe, is a vibrant tapestry of cultural and historical narratives waiting to be explored. The area was originally the home of the Pee Dee Native Americans, part of the South Appalachian Mississippian culture from about 1000 to 1400 AD. As European settlers arrived in the 18th century, Welsh Baptists from Pennsylvania and Delaware established themselves along the Pee Dee River, forming a community known as the Welsh Neck. These settlers were drawn by the promise of agricultural opportunities, cultivating flax, hemp, and later indigo.
During the American Revolution, the region played a crucial role. In 1774, the area now known as Darlington County witnessed one of the earliest assertions of colonial rights against British rule. The Long Bluff, an important trading post and boat landing, became the site of the courthouse for the newly created Cheraws District in 1768. This strategic location saw significant activity during the war, including the formation of the St. David’s Society in 1777 by local planters to promote education.
In the 19th century, Darlington County continued to grow, with the establishment of Wesley Chapel, one of South Carolina’s oldest Methodist churches, in 1789. The Darlington Church, founded in 1827, served the Presbyterian community, while the Trinity Church of Society Hill supported the Episcopalians from 1833.
Today, the Pee Dee Region is known not only for its historical significance but also for its cultural contributions. Museums such as the Florence County Museum and the South Carolina Cotton Museum offer insights into the region’s past, from Civil War artifacts to the impact of the cotton industry. The Darlington Raceway, a legendary NASCAR track, adds a more modern layer to the area’s rich history.
As you explore the Pee Dee, consider the stories of those who walked these lands before us. From the Indigenous tribes to the European settlers, and from the revolutionaries to the modern-day residents, each group has left an indelible mark on this captivating region.
