Rice Planters Used To Flock To This Tiny South Carolina Town To Escape Summer Mosquitoes
By AnneMarie|Published February 16, 2023
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AnneMarie
Author
South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
Anyone who has been to South Carolina during summer months knows what an absolute nuisance the mosquitoes are. If they were a bird, they would be the state bird for sure. And as they say … some things never change, right? Way back in South Carolina history, those who worked outdoors as rice planters were just as bothered by the mosquitoes as we are today. The small town of Pawleys Island has a unique history in South Carolina as a place of refuge away from these nasty pests!
"Mosquito season" in South Carolina generally runs from March through September or October, depending on who you ask ... or so they say. We'd argue it goes through more like November!
Commercial buildings are not allowed on the island, which helps it retain its charm and simplicity, and the only public buildings include the town hall, a couple of historic inns, and a sweet little chapel.
Well over a century ago, in an effort to get a better night's sleep, riverboat Captain Joshua John Ward began a Pawleys Island tradition of hammock-making that has stood the test of time.
The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock is possibly the best-known hammock brand in history, long ago having become the template for the classic American hammock style. Other than some improvements in materials through the years, the basic design of today's Pawleys Island Original is truly little-changed from the time of Cap'n Josh. It makes an excellent gift idea for the hard-to-buy-for person in your life for any special gift-giving occasion
(birthday, Mother's or Father's Day, Christmas, etc.!).
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Along with the ocean breezes come jaw-dropping sunset scenes, the perfect ending to a day well-spent on the island.
When you head to Pawleys Island for a visit, be sure to stop by one of the nicest restaurants in America while you’re there! What’s your favorite small town with a unique history in South Carolina? Share with us in the comments section below.
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