1986 Map of Georgetown

About this map

The port of Georgetown stands at the confluence of the Sampit River, Black River, and Waccamaw River, where they merge into Winyah Bay. In the mid-1980s, this region of the Lowcountry was defined by its massive coastal wetlands and protected forests. The Francis Marion National Forest dominates the southern interior, containing the Hellhole Bay National Wilderness Area and significant swamps like Wambaw Swamp. Along the coast, the complex river deltas of the North Santee River and South Santee River create a network of islands including Cat Island, North Island, and South Island. This map captures the transition from the upland timber and railroad towns of Andrews and Jamestown to the maritime landscapes of McClellanville and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, showcasing a landscape where water—rivers, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean—dictates settlement and industry.