The town of Saint George was named for its first settler, James George, whose father Dennis George came to the colonies with Lafayette to assist the colonies in their war for independence from England. James George opened a store in 1810 and donated property to the South Carolina Railroad Company to build a station. The railroad track connecting Charleston to Augusta was completed in 1833, giving the community the impetus to grow. In 1850, James George built a home, which still stands today. The home faces the tracks, where James George could watch the trains that passed many times a day. He is buried in his backyard, which is now the property of Memorial Baptist Church.
The Masonic Lodge 61, built in 1841 on the corner of Parler and Railroad avenues is probably the oldest store building still standing. The Coca Cola Bottling Company rented the lower floor. The Post Office was located next to it, conveniently close to the railroad track.
The town was incorporated in 1878 under the name of "George's Station." The first town council meeting was held February 27, 1875, with W.J. Bryant as Intendant and D.L. McAllhany, Emory Murray, Dr. P.L. Moorer and E.Connor named as Wardens. Captain L.E. Parler served as Town Clerk and Treasurer. The first telegraph office was installed in 1850 and telephone service came to town in 1901, with a total of 31 phones. Direct Distance Dialing was inagurated July 15, 1973, with mayor David Sojourner making the first direct dial call. In 1913, a lights and water system was installed and garbage pickup began in 1920.
The formation of Dorchester County in 1897 and the designation of Saint George as the County Seat enhanced the town's importance and encouraged a growth spurt that almost doubled the population from 279 to 629 residents. The paving of U.S. Highway 15 in 1930 greatly increased traffic through town, as the highway became the main artery of tourist travel from north to points south, including Florida. Gas stations sprung up like mushrooms, at one time numbering 23 in the area. Tourist accomodations, such as the Welcome Inn, the Byrd's nest, Wimberly's Cabins, Joe Canaday's Greasy Spoon, the Ugly Duckling, Dukes Hotel and Restaurant and the "blue ribbon" hotel, the Palms, contributed to the economy, as did mant mercantile stores, several banks and a millinery.
From its founding through present day, Saint George's richest asset remains its friendly people who, in times of sickness or crisis, appear at the door with a dish and a hug.
Written By
Teresa M. Hatchell
Executive Director
Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Masonic Lodge 61, built in 1841 on the corner of Parler and Railroad avenues is probably the oldest store building still standing. The Coca Cola Bottling Company rented the lower floor. The Post Office was located next to it, conveniently close to the railroad track.
The town was incorporated in 1878 under the name of "George's Station." The first town council meeting was held February 27, 1875, with W.J. Bryant as Intendant and D.L. McAllhany, Emory Murray, Dr. P.L. Moorer and E.Connor named as Wardens. Captain L.E. Parler served as Town Clerk and Treasurer. The first telegraph office was installed in 1850 and telephone service came to town in 1901, with a total of 31 phones. Direct Distance Dialing was inagurated July 15, 1973, with mayor David Sojourner making the first direct dial call. In 1913, a lights and water system was installed and garbage pickup began in 1920.
The formation of Dorchester County in 1897 and the designation of Saint George as the County Seat enhanced the town's importance and encouraged a growth spurt that almost doubled the population from 279 to 629 residents. The paving of U.S. Highway 15 in 1930 greatly increased traffic through town, as the highway became the main artery of tourist travel from north to points south, including Florida. Gas stations sprung up like mushrooms, at one time numbering 23 in the area. Tourist accomodations, such as the Welcome Inn, the Byrd's nest, Wimberly's Cabins, Joe Canaday's Greasy Spoon, the Ugly Duckling, Dukes Hotel and Restaurant and the "blue ribbon" hotel, the Palms, contributed to the economy, as did mant mercantile stores, several banks and a millinery.
From its founding through present day, Saint George's richest asset remains its friendly people who, in times of sickness or crisis, appear at the door with a dish and a hug.
Written By
Teresa M. Hatchell
Executive Director
Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce