Overlooking the Sampit River is the exquisite Morgan Park, one of Georgetown‘s many treasures. Morgan Park is essentially hidden beyond the popular East Bay Park and offers visitors the opportunity to escape the more populated spots of the downtown area for some peace and tranquility.
The beautification of Georgetown was largely credited to the vision of William Doyle Morgan, who served as mayor of Georgetown from 1891 through 1906. Among Mayor Morgan’s accomplishments were the planting of 300 live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) in the downtown area and the founding of the Bank of Georgetown. He also brought modern industries to the city, including the Atlantic Coast Lumber Company. The park is named in his honor.
Just off the end of Front Street, Georgetown’s main historic route, is a parking area for East Bay Park. East Bay Park is directly adjacent to East Bay Street Landing, a public boat slip to the Sampit River and Winyah Bay. Also at East Bay Park is the Bobby Alford Recreation Center which offers picnic shelters, tennis courts, baseball fields, and a playground.
A short walk down a dirt path from East Bay Park leads visitors to this causeway marking the entrance to Morgan Park. The park features a boardwalk through a maritime forest, a picnic shelter, and a mile of shoreline along the river for a scenic stroll at low tide.
Remnants remain on this 10-acre park of Fort Winyah, built for the War of 1812. While the shops and restaurants of historic Front Street offer a wonderful way to spend a day in Georgetown, make sure to also schedule some time in scenic and natural Morgan Park.
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