1947 Map of Centenary

About this map

Little Pee Dee River meanders through a landscape defined by an intricate network of backwaters and swamps along the border of Marion and Horry counties. In the post-war era, the local economy appears rooted in the timber and agricultural potential of the lowlands, evidenced by numerous named ponds like Smith Mill Pond and Leggett Mill Pond. The Seaboard Air Line railroad provides a central transportation spine, connecting the small settlements of Rains and Centenary. Community life is anchored by a significant number of rural institutions, including Beauty Spot Sch, St James Sch, and numerous family and community burial grounds such as Palmer Cem and Allen Cem. Further east, the terrain transitions into the dense Pee Dee Swamp, where isolated lakes like Blocker Lake and Haroldson Lake pocket the river bottoms.