by Susan Hoffer McMillan (Author)
Conway was established in 1732 as Kingston, the principal seat of Kingston Township, but was renamed in honor of local politician Robert Conway, who distinguished himself in war service under the heroic "Swamp Fox," Francis Marion, following the American Revolution. Situated where Kingston Lake joins the Waccamaw River, Conway was originally isolated by wetlands and developed slowly, primarily supported by subsistence farmers in surrounding Horry County. Lacking the tidal rivers of remaining coastal South Carolina, area residents harvested turpentine and timber, improved transportation via steamboats and trains, and cultivated tobacco and tourism as the 20th century spawned nearby Myrtle Beach. Today, Conway reveres its 1825 Robert Mills Courthouse anchoring a picturesque downtown highlighted by moss-draped live oaks and a Main Street bridge beckoning visitors to frequent festivals, live theatre, and a scenic river walk.