Georgetown County, South Carolina

History (Formation and Divisions) | Availability of Records | Web Links | Books Available | My Ancestral Names

History (Formation and Divisions)

Georgetown District was created as an original Judicial District in 1769. It superceded the old County system that had been in place since the 1600's.

In 1785 Georgetown District was divided into four counties: Kingston, Liberty, Williamsburg and Winyaw. They coexisted with Georgetown District, and only served as a geographical division. They were never functional (no government), and in 1798 were abolished, though still referenced for a few years afterwards in various public records.

Marion District was formed from part of Georgetown in 1798, taking the entirety of the old Liberty County.

Horry District was formed from part of Georgetown in 1801, taking the old Kingston County (also called Waccamaw County).

Williamsburg District was formed from part of Georgetown in 1804, taking the old Williamsburg County.

In 1868 all South Carolina "Districts" were abolished in favor of "Counties", thus Georgetown District became Georgetown County.

Availability and Location of Records

Georgetown County suffered major records losses due to the Civil War, so records from the 1860's and before are very scant.

Census records available: 1790 thru 1930 records are all extant excepting 1890

Web Links of Interest

Georgetown County, SC GenWeb page

Georgetown County, SC Queries at GenForum

Georgetown County, SC Resources at Rootsweb

Online Sources for Books and other material regarding this county