Conway's Historical Evolution and Economic Growth in Horry County
Conway, a town in Horry County, South Carolina, has a rich history dating back to its establishment as Kingston Village around 1735. Originally the seat of Kingston County, which was later renamed Horry County in honor of Revolutionary War hero Peter Horry, the town underwent several name changes before becoming known as Conway. The town's strategic location on a bluff of the Waccamaw River facilitated its development as a county seat, attracting jobs and trade through its courthouse. Post-World War II, the beaches of Horry County began to draw increasing numbers of visitors, contributing to a thriving sunbelt economy that provided diverse employment opportunities for local residents. The establishment of Coastal Carolina College in 1954, which later evolved into Coastal Carolina University, further bolstered the town's economy by attracting students and educational investments.