The Story Behind the Name: Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of the most beloved vacation destinations on the East Coast, but have you ever wondered how it got its name? The story takes us back to the turn of the 20th century, when this now-bustling resort town was just a quiet stretch of South Carolina coastline. Many locals viewed the beach as worthless since you couldn’t grow timber, rice or tobacco there. 

From “New Town” to “Myrtle Beach”

In the late 1800s, what we now call Myrtle Beach was part of the Withers Swash area and referred to as “New Town” by locals. The land was largely undeveloped, owned by the Burroughs & Collins Company, which envisioned transforming it into a seaside resort. The company began laying the groundwork for this vision in 1900, but they quickly realized that the name “New Town” didn’t capture the charm and appeal of the area.

To solve this, the company held a naming contest in 1900, inviting suggestions from residents and stakeholders. The contest not only engaged the community but also aimed to establish a name that could market the area as a tourist destination. The winning entry came from Addie Burroughs, wife of Franklin G. Burroughs, one of the company’s founders. It’s a good name… but I also think she may have had an unfair advantage over other contest participants. Mrs. Burroughs proposed the name “Myrtle Beach” in honor of the wax myrtle, a hardy and fragrant shrub native to the area. These shrubs, known for their resilience and natural beauty, were abundant along the South Carolina coast.

Fun Fact: The wax myrtle, also known as southern bayberry, was historically used for making candles, thanks to the waxy coating on its berries. It was used as a natural pest repellent and still grows in many incorporated areas of the Grand Strand. 

Official Adoption of the Name

In 1901, the area gained its first post office under the name “Myrtle Beach,” marking the first official use of the title. The name quickly became associated with the community as more development projects took shape. In the decades that followed, Myrtle Beach grew steadily, attracting visitors with its pristine beaches and warm Southern hospitality. By 1938, Myrtle Beach was incorporated as a town, and it became a city in 1957. Even as big as Myrtle Beach has become and continues to grow, it’s a crazy thought that the city itself is less than 70 years old. 

Myrtle Beach Today

Today, Myrtle Beach is synonymous with sandy vacations, great restaurants, and world-class entertainment including golf and dinner theatre. Yet the name still carries its original essence—a tribute to the region’s natural beauty and the early visionaries who saw its potential. The wax myrtle, once so common in the area, remains a symbol of the resilience and charm that have defined Myrtle Beach for more than a century.

If you have questions about the Grand Strand and would like to connect with a native, please don’t hesitate to reach to us. We’d love to help!