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    Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

  • Atlantic Beach, South Carolina A Historically African-American Community

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Discover Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, known as the "Black Pearl," is a historic African American community founded in the 1930s as a seaside retreat where Black travelers could enjoy the coast free from segregation. Established by Black entrepreneurs, it flourished with Black-owned businesses, hotels, and nightclubs, becoming a hub of culture and empowerment. Though economic shifts have challenged the town, its legacy endures through preservation efforts and events like the Atlantic Beach Bikefest and Gullah Geechee Festival, which celebrate its rich heritage. As one of the last remaining Black-owned beach communities in the U.S., Atlantic Beach stands as a testament to Black resilience, self-sufficiency, and cultural pride.
Good Things to Know...
Thumbnail for Atlantic Beach- Horry County Historical Society
Atlantic Beach- Horry County Historical Society
08 May
Atlantic Beach (Side 1) Atlantic Beach, nicknamed The Black Pearl, was established about 1934 as an oceanfront community for blacks denied access to other area beaches by segregation. Many became year-round residents, but most spent their vacations here. From the 1930s to the 1970s The Black Pearl was one of the most popular beach resorts on the East Coast for blacks from Va. to Fla. Its hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, shops, and pavilion were packed every May to September. (Side 2) George Tyson was the first to develop this area, from 1934 to 1943. In 1943 the Atlantic Beach Co. J.W. Seabrook, R.K. Gordon, and P.C. Kelly III bought the tracts and continued to develop them. As other area beaches began desegregating in the 1970s the beach saw fewer visitors. The town of Atlantic Beach, chartered in 1966 with Emery Gore and Millard Rucker as its first two mayors, is one of a few black-owned and governed oceanfront communities in the United States. Erected by the Atlantic Beach Historical Society 2005 Atlantic Beach Town Hall 717 Atlantic St, Atlantic Beach, SC GPS: 33 48.323 N, 78 43.101 W
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New Development on the Horizon
08 May
The Historic Town of Atlantic Beach bordering the Atlantic Ocean and sandwiched by the city of North Myrtle Beach has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The addition of the town s historic district onto the national register was announced in January by the National Park Service, describing the area as generally bounded by Wiley Drive, 29th Avenue South, 32nd Avenue South and the Atlantic Ocean. The town says 72 properties within Atlantic Beach have retained their structure and character for over 50 years, contributing to the history of Atlantic Beach. A Grand Strand community organized as a safe haven for Blacks during the Jim Crow era is one of America s newest landmarks. Atlantic Beach was established as an isolated and separate development from other local beach communities. Prohibited from visiting other areas beaches, African-Americans established Atlantic Beach as a refuge from the burdens of Jim Crow-era segregation, free from constant reminders of a marginalized daily existence, the town s 84-page application says. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Atlantic Beach would become a destination for top Black musicians, who frequented its clubs and restaurants: Ray Charles, Bo Diddley, Al Green, Little Richard, Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye and James Brown among them. The Atlantic Beach Historic District is one of only a few remaining historic Black resort towns in the United States, its application states. Furthermore, Atlantic Beach is the only historically Black beach resort town to remain governed and owned by a majority Black community in the present day.
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Thumbnail for The Black Pearl - Theatre
The Black Pearl - Theatre
11 April
Spanning generations, The Black Pearl is an epic story of love and loss set against the majestic beauty and rich history of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina. The Wise family fights to protect the integrity of one of the last Black-owned beach communities in America - if only they could stop fighting each other. Written by Cynthia Grace Robinson and directed by Cezar Williams, The Black Pearl will have its world-premiere, full production here at Coastal Carolina University. This play commission was made possible by the generous support of Nancy and Billy Cave. Written by Cynthia Grace Robinson Directed by Cezar Williams Friday, March 28th, 7:30pm Saturday, March 29th, 2:00pm Saturday, March 29th, 7:30pm Sunday, March 30th, 2:00pm ASL Interpreted Performance Thursday, April 3rd, 10:00am (Student Matinee) Reduced cost admission ($3) Thursday, April 3rd, 7:30pm Show 7 Friday, April 4th, 10:00am (Student Matinee) Reduced cost admission ($3) Friday, April 4th, 7:30pm Saturday, April 5th, 7:30pm Sunday, April 6th, 2:00pm Admission: $19 for adults $15 for alumni, faculty/staff, OLLI, seniors, teens (aged 12-17), and groups of 10 or more $3 for any students (Horry County, HGTC, CCU)
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Thumbnail for These U.S. beach towns are even better in the fall
These U.S. beach towns are even better in the fall
11 April
Known as the Black Pearl, Atlantic Beach is one of the few Black-owned beaches that remain in the U.S. For more than three decades, this town spanning just four blocks was a bustling vacation spot for Black beach-goers living in the segregated South. In the early 1930s, Black entrepreneurs and families ran hotels, restaurants, and shops here. But while the town boomed in the 1940s and 50s, it declined after segregation as Black tourists left to explore other vacation spots. These days, residents many who are descendants of the Gullah Geechee, former enslaved people from the west coast of Africa are working to preserve the town s history. You can visit historic sites in the area, mostly at nearby Myrtle Beach. Article link: These U.S. beach towns are even better in the fall
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Thumbnail for Atlantic Beach: Moving Forward
Atlantic Beach: Moving Forward
11 April
Atlantic Beach is a colorful, historic and growing town in Horry County, South Carolina. The community is filled with historic beach side cottages, well preserved mid to late nineteenth century buildings and beautiful custom designed vacation getaways. These structures provide the foundation for the forward-thinking plans being developed to preserve the Town of Atlantic Beach which has been historically important in African American culture along the South Carolina coast since the 1930s. The Town of Atlantic Beach Master Plan is designed to promote the continued growth and revitalization of the Town and provide guidance on the implementation of our Town Vision. The primary objective is to provide for growth and development in a manner that respects and balances the goals of the Town and its unique historical and physical characteristics. To position the Town to benefit from the added social and economic value of redevelopment, this Plan provides guidance on public and private physical improvements targeted at the re-invention of a unique sense of place, as it is this uniqueness that will distinguish the Town within the regional and national context and provide both the impetus for redevelopment efforts.
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Thumbnail for Atlantic Beach: Historic African-American Enclave in South Carolina | National Trust for Historic Preservation
Atlantic Beach: Historic African-American Enclave in South Carolina | National Trust for Historic Preservation
11 April
Atlantic Beach, nicknamed The Black Pearl for its rich history and African-American owned businesses, is located in Horry County (pronounced OH-ree) in the northeast corner of South Carolina. Though it was conceived as a result of segregationist laws, Atlantic Beach flourished as a thriving African-American vacation spot and as a nucleus for the surrounding communities of Crescent Beach, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove that would later become part of North Myrtle Beach. Today, those living in the Black Pearl strive to preserve and communicate the distinctive history of this African-American enclave and the Gullah-Geechee culture that has shaped it. For more, read this article: Atlantic Beach: Historic African-American Enclave in South Carolina | National Trust for Historic Preservation
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Thumbnail for Atlantic Beach listed on National Register of Historic Places. What it means for property owners
Atlantic Beach listed on National Register of Historic Places. What it means for property owners
17 February
By: S.T. Cardinal Tommy.Cardinal@myhorrynews.com Atlantic Beach has history. And now the small town bordering the Atlantic Ocean and sandwiched by the city of North Myrtle Beach has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The addition of the town s historic district onto the national register was announced in January by the National Park Service, describing the area as generally bounded by Wiley Drive, 29th Avenue South, 32nd Avenue South and the Atlantic Ocean. The town says 72 properties within Atlantic Beach have retained their structure and character for over 50 years, contributing to the history of Atlantic Beach. But what does the designation mean for property owners? According to the National Register of Historic Places website, the designation of a property on the register places no restrictions on what the owner of a property can do to the structure up to and including destruction, and being listed on the register does not automatically invoke local historic district zoning or local landmark designation. Essentially, there aren t extra hoops to jump through for those who want to make changes to a building on the National Register of Historic Places. Virginia Harness with South Carolina s historic preservation office said that s a common misconception, saying it s not about being the preservation police. National Register does not place restrictions of private property owners, and the state does not place restrictions on private property owners either, Harness said. The only time our office would be involved is if the property owner is doing renovations using federal grants or federal money. Property owners are free to do what they wish with their property while also following local zoning rules as long as there is no federal involvement and they do not require a state mining permit or a permit from the Bureau of Coastal Management Review. Harness said those factors are most likely not going to impact property owners in Atlantic Beach. While what owners can do to their properties won t change, what is new is potential tax incentives. A 20% tax credit is offered by the National Park Service for rehabilitation to a structure in a registered district, but the building must be used for income-producing purposes to qualify for the tax credit. The credit wouldn t apply for renovations to a private residence unless it is being rented out. The rehabilitation also must follow guidelines laid out by the Secretary of Interior s standards for rehabilitation. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History offers plaques for properties on the National Register of Historic Places. Those interested in buying a plaque for $180 may call Brad Sauls at 803-896-6172 or apply online at scdah.sc.gov/historic-preservation/programs/national-register . The town of Atlantic Beach got its start in 1934 when Black businessman George Tyson purchased two tracts of land and recruited Black doctors, lawyers and educators to the burgeoning community to form the Atlantic Beach Corporation. The community evolved to become a place where Black workers of white establishments across the Grand Strand lived. The small town was also a refuge for Black beachgoers during segregation in the Jim Crow era with a coastline open to Black tourists. Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach did not welcome Black visitors to the beach, and buoys in the water separated Atlantic Beach from the segregated beaches on either side. There was also a flourishing music scene in the small town. National acts playing at Charlie s Place in Myrtle Beach would often stay at Atlantic Beach after their performances, and would even perform in the town. The district s inclusion in the National Register was due to its relevance in the Ethnic Heritage: Black and Entertainment/Recreation criteria, according to the town s news release. The Black Hawk Night Club on Atlantic Beach s oceanfront became a popular entertainment venue, drawing visitors and residents, the release states. The community grew and Atlantic Beach became a vibrant ocean front destination. This storied journey includes the booming days of the 1940 s-50 s when African Americans came from all over to enjoy 'The Pearl', including many prominent R&B singers of the time. Desegregation had a negative economic impact on Atlantic Beach as Black visitors opted to go to Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach and investment into the town floundered. In 1968 Windy Hill, Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive and Crescent Beach joined together to form the city of North Myrtle Beach. Atlantic Beach decided to remain a separate community and in 1969, incorporated to form the town of Atlantic Beach. The town held a celebration last October to celebrate the 90th anniversary of when Tyson purchased the land, which would later become Atlantic Beach.
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Thumbnail for "We are overjoyed": Atlantic Beach becomes American landmark
"We are overjoyed": Atlantic Beach becomes American landmark
05 February
By: Skylar Musick ATLANTIC BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Atlantic Beach recently was added to the National Register of Historic Places registry , making it an American landmark. Interim Town Manager Linda Cheatham said Atlantic Beach was founded in 1934 by George Tyson, who wanted Black people from all over the country to enjoy the ocean. Atlantic Beach was established as an isolated community. African Americans were not allowed to visit other area beaches during Jim Crow-era segregation, making Atlantic Beach their refuge. Cheatham says community members and officials from Atlantic Beach and Horry County have been working on The National Register of Historic Places application since 2023. They met with the state Board of Review in November, and the town was added to the registry on Jan. 22. We are overjoyed, Cheatham said. It is just so encouraging. It recognizes the hard work. It recognizes the struggle. It honors our ancestors and all the people whose shoulders we stand on. Cheatham says Hurricane Hazel destroyed a large part of Atlantic Beach in 1954. Segregation kept many businesses from rebuilding. However, some did, and the town thrived. In the 1950s and 1960s, Atlantic Beach saw many Black musicians frequent its clubs and restaurants, including Ray Charles and Tina Turner. You get an education in Atlantic Beach about love, and family, and honoring the past, Cheatham said. And that s so important today, when the past is trying to be erased. And so, we refuse to let our past be erased. Now that the town has access to special grants and preservation incentives, Cheatham says Atlantic Beach is working for more signage, restaurants, and its own historical museum.
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Business License for 2025-2026 are due between April 1- April 30, 2025. A renewal letter has been mailed to all registered businesses in the Town of Atlantic Beach. If you have any questions, please contact the Interim Town Manager at 843-663-2284.
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"The Black Pearl, Celebrating 50 Years of Incorporation"
National Geographic: "Atlantic Beach, SC is one of the best beach communities to visit in the Fall"
Atlantic Beach Historic District placed on the National Register of Historic Places
Events Around Town
Monday August 04 2025
05:00PM - 08:00PM
Town Council Meeting
Tuesday August 05 2025
06:00PM - 07:00PM
Assessment Public Hearing
Saturday August 09 2025
All Day
I Love Seafood Festival
Sunday August 10 2025
All Day
I Love Seafood Festival
Friday August 29 2025
All Day
Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival

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Town of Atlantic Beach   |   717 30th Ave. South   |   Atlantic Beach, South Carolina 29582   |   1-843-663-2284

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