Once upon a dune… pirates actually prowled these shores.
Long before condos and beachfront restaurants, North Myrtle Beach began as a secretive stretch of barrier islands and marsh—inlets perfect for seafarers with more adventurous motives than sightseeing. During the Golden Age of Piracy (late 1600s to early 1700s), notorious figures like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet are known to have prowled the Carolina coast, including the waterways near Windy Hill and Little River. These inlets, ideal for hidden anchorages, fueled legends of buried treasure and ghostly pirate tales that still sparkle in local lore.
🏴☠️ Pirates Along the Carolina Coast
The Golden Age of Piracy (1680s–1720s) made the Carolinas a haven for seafarers with loose morals and quick tempers. The inlets around Little River, Windy Hill, and Cherry Grove were ideal hideouts, with their shallow channels and twisting waterways confusing naval patrols.
Blackbeard (Edward Teach), perhaps the most infamous pirate of all time, was known to travel these waters, using the Carolina coast as a supply stop and a place to stash loot. While no confirmed treasure has been found in North Myrtle Beach, legends persist about barrels of rum and silver coins buried in the dunes.
Stede Bonnet, the so-called “Gentleman Pirate,” was also rumored to have sheltered in the Carolina inlets, refitting his ships before heading back out to plunder merchant vessels.
Locals love to tell stories of ghostly pirate ships seen in the early morning mist, their lanterns flickering just offshore before vanishing with the sunrise. Whether fact or folklore, these tales are woven into the fabric of the community—so much so that pirate-themed tours and boat cruises still keep the legends alive today.
💃 The Shag: Dance of the Carolina Coast
No story about North Myrtle Beach would be complete without mentioning the shag—South Carolina’s official state dance and a beloved local tradition. Originating in the 1940s along the Grand Strand, the shag became synonymous with summer nights, beach music, and easygoing coastal fun. Ocean Drive Beach, now part of North Myrtle Beach, is often called the “Home of the Shag,” where locals and vacationers still gather at legendary spots like Fat Harold’s Beach Club to glide across the dance floor. The dance is slow, smooth, and just a little flirty—perfect for the relaxed beach lifestyle. Today, shag competitions and festivals keep this tradition alive, making it as much a part of the area’s identity as its sandy shores and fishing piers.
🏗️ From Hammocks to Hamlets: The Rise of Beach Communities
By the early 20th century, areas like Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive Beach, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill were dotted with small fishing camps and family-run motels. These modest retreats officially merged into North Myrtle Beach in 1968, combining communities that shared coastal charm.
Growth accelerated through the 1970s and 1980s, with the arrival of attractions like Barefoot Landing in 1988. What began as fishing hamlets became a destination—an idyllic crossroads of sun, surf, and Southern hospitality.
🎣 Piers: Resilience through Storms
Few symbols embody coastal life more than the iconic fishing piers. The Cherry Grove Pier, built in the 1950s, has been battered and rebuilt through decades—surviving Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Floyd in 1999, and Ian in 2022. Despite repeated devastation, each reconstruction reinforced what locals already knew: these piers are more than wood and nails—they’re communal anchors.
Today, Cherry Grove Pier continues to bustle with anglers, families, and sunset seekers—standing as both landmark and testament to North Myrtle Beach’s enduring spirit.
🌉 Modern Icons and Coastal Culture
Today’s North Myrtle Beach blends rustic charm with modern appeal. Heritage Shores Nature Preserve protects coastal ecosystems, reflecting the community’s commitment to preservation. Tourists can enjoy pirate-themed boat cruises (like the Barefoot Queen) and local history tours that celebrate the region’s swashbuckling past.
Museums—like the Franklin G. Burroughs–Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum and the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum—anchor cultural connection in a place proud of its past.
🌅 Today: A Living Legacy by the Sea
Pirates: It may be legend—but the excitement of pirate lore still echoes in trolley tours and children’s pirate shows .
Piers: Serving as fishing spots, gathering places, and symbols of resilience, they connect beach lovers across generations.
Progress: Small communities turned into thriving destinations, with careful development that values nature, culture, and community.
Why This History Matters to You
When you buy or sell a home in North Myrtle Beach, you’re stepping into a story centuries in the making—a place defined by resilience, reinvention, and a warm coastal spirit. And that’s the kind of community worthy of investment.
Whether you’re drawn by historic charm, community continuity, or future promise, this special place offers authenticity, opportunity, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to find anywhere else.
📞 Let’s Start Your Chapter in the North Myrtle Beach Story
Interested in being part of this living history? I’d love to talk about neighborhoods, share more local stories, and help you find your place in our story.
Kim Stevens, REALTOR®
📱 (843) 222-9327
📧 KimStevens100@gmail.com
🌐 www.kimstevensatthebeach.net
