## Overview Horry County is the largest and easternmost county in South Carolina, covering 1,158 square miles and home to a population of approximately 369,000 as of 2023[2][7]. The county seat is Conway, and it is the central hub of the Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle Beach metropolitan area[3]. Horry County is internationally recognized for its Grand Strand beaches, with Myrtle Beach as a world-famous tourist destination that draws millions of visitors annually[1][6]. The region’s economy, once dominated by agriculture and forestry, now thrives on tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and increasingly, technology-driven industries[1][3]. ## History Established in 1801, Horry County was named after Revolutionary War hero Peter Horry[1][2]. Its early history was marked by geographic isolation—surrounded by swamps, rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean—earning it the nickname “Independent Republic of Horry”[1][2]. The arrival of the railroad in 1887 ended this isolation, paving the way for economic development. The county’s transformation accelerated in the 1970s and 1980s with a construction boom, turning it from a rural, agrarian community into a major tourism and business center[1]. ## Key Achievements Horry County’s most notable achievement is its evolution into a leading economic engine for South Carolina. Its GDP reached $18.3 billion in 2022, reflecting robust growth in tourism, retail, and manufacturing sectors[3]. The county has attracted major employers such as Adidas, Walmart, and PTR Industries, a firearms manufacturer that relocated from Connecticut, bringing skilled jobs and investment[3]. Coastal Carolina University, based in Conway, contributes to the local economy and workforce development, while the county’s infrastructure—including multiple airports and a comprehensive public safety network—supports both residents and visitors[3][5]. ## Current Status