Unusual Name and History of Small South Carolina Community Near Myrtle Beach

Situated in the quiet stretches of South Carolina's countryside, about 35 miles from Myrtle Beach and 21 miles from Conway, lies a tiny, offbeat community known as Ketchuptown. This unincorporated village in Horry County offers a glimpse into the charm of rural, close-knit farming life. With fewer than 100 residents, Ketchuptown features a handful of churches, a cemetery, and its famous general store, now closed, making it a destination more for curiosity and photography than sightseeing.

The area, once swampy, is best experienced on a scenic drive, and while there are no hotels within Ketchuptown itself, nearby towns such as Aynor, Mullins, and Marion provide Airbnb options within a 20-mile radius. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy Jeffcoat's Black Water Campground, located 17 miles away. A brief stop in Ketchuptown offers visitors a chance to capture photos and experience the rural agricultural atmosphere.

The Story Behind the Name

Contrary to what one might assume, Ketchuptown is not named after the tomato-based condiment. Its origin traces back to a local family and a small girl with a fondness for the letter K. In 1927, Herbert Small purchased land at a crossroads and opened a general store selling essentials to the surrounding farmers. The store doubled as the community post office and social gathering spot, where locals would "catch up" on news and events before returning to their farms.

Herbert Small had four children, including a daughter named Ruth, who loved doodling the letter K. She sometimes scribbled Ketchuptown in the store, and the name eventually stuck, giving the store and the hamlet its unique moniker.

Visiting Ketchuptown

Though the general store has closed, its historic sign remains a popular photo opportunity. The Horry County Museum, about 30 minutes away, provides further insight into the area's history. Ketchuptowns scenic roads, charming street names such as Wolf Pit Bay Road and Lake Swamp Road, and its churches and cemetery evoke classic Southern rural life.

Outdoor activities nearby include hunting at Wicked Boar Outdoors (3 miles away), shooting at Echo 6 Outdoor Shooting Park (5 miles away), and hiking at Little Pee Dee Heritage Preserve (12 miles away). Additional attractions within driving distance include Alligator Adventure, where visitors can meet reptiles and exotic animals, and the South Carolina Tobacco Museum, which explores the history of the states once-prevalent crop. For beach enthusiasts, Cherry Grove on South Carolina's coast is 43 miles away.

For those looking to explore Southern charm off the beaten path, Ketchuptown provides a memorable stop and a window into a quieter, pastoral world.

Author: Natalie Monroe