McClellanville – Small Town, Big Charm
April 19th, 2007 Uncategorized Comments
McClellanville is a small fishing village located on the coast of South Carolina between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Founded by rice planters in 1850’s, McClellanville served as a refuge from the swampy, mosquito-filled rice fields of their plantations. From these summer homes, “the village” as it is known by it’s residents, grew on the quiet shores of Jeremy Creek. With a population under 500, McClellanville remains a peaceful community, free of many of the big city problems like traffic and a high crime rate. Lots averaging over an acre in size allow for greater tranquility and privacy. McClellanville’s main industry now relies on the sale of fresh shrimp, fish, crabs, oysters and clams to local marketplaces and restaurants.
Much of McClellanvilles beauty is drawn from its natural surroundings; the creeks and marsh, the ocean and sunsets, the palmettos and live oaks draped with Spanish moss. This natural beauty does not just stop at the town limits though. Stretching out to the north, south, and west of McClellanville lies the massive Francis Marion National Forest and the creeks and barrier islands to the east make up Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge. These protected lands provide a natural boundary between McClellanville and the rest of the world.
Jeremy Creek, the life line of McClellanville, provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the barrier islands and creeks beyond it. The town’s fleet of shrimp boats supply the local businesses and the rest of the world with fresh caught seafood. The town celebrates the opening of the shrimping season with a blessing of the shrimping fleet during The Lowcountry Shrimp Festival. This event is put on and benefits the local private school of Archibald Rutledge Academy.
On the northern side of Jeremy Creek lies the towns Historic District, the public boat landing, and downtown business district consisting of a few restaurants and shops. The communities of Silver Hill and Skippers Point, on the southern side of Jeremy Creek, present a more rural option for home owners. Also inside the town limits is the Highway Commercial District on Highway 17 where you will find more restaurants and businesses.
One constant throughout all of McClellanville is the feeling of a true community. A step beyond simple Southern hospitality, your neighbors become your extended family. When Hurricane Hugo ripped its way through the town in 1989, the residents were brought even closer together. The town’s people pulled together and rebuilt the homes and businesses which were destroyed and gained a deeper appreciation for the things they had and each other. McClellanville is brimming with small town charm. Residents of McClellanville enjoy it for its quiet, peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Tourist return year after year for a relaxing get-away from city life. McClellanville still remains as the Carolina’s best kept secret. Of course, you dont have to take my word for it, see what others are saying about McClellanville.