First built in the 1950s, then rebuilt after Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the Cherry Grove Pier in the namesake Cherry Grove community of North Myrtle Beach is an institution along the South Carolina coast. Popular with generations of fishermen, the two-story observation deck at the end of the 985-foot pier also attracts those who just want to enjoy the sweeping view that includes ocean, beach, and sky.
Contributor Beth Prince Gann, whose family owns Cherry Grove Pier, sent us this incredible information: “My family owns this pier. In 1963 The Prince family built the Holiday House Motel on the adjoining property to the pier, and in 1965 they bought the Pier. The Cherry Grove Pier also has a colorful history when it comes to Hurricanes. In 1989 the Pier was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo which left a widespread path of destruction across the state of South Carolina. It was rebuilt and the two-story observation deck that was added became a very popular sightseeing destination. In September of 1999, Hurricane Floyd left its mark on the Cherry Grove Pier by snapping off the observation deck and depositing it 1,000 yards down the beach. It was rebuilt and renovated in time for the next summer season. In 1964, The 1,780-pound, world record tiger shark was caught by Walter Maxwell from Cherry Grove Pier. It remains to this day the only all-tackle world record ever caught in South Carolina. The shark is estimated to have weighed in at 2,000 lbs when it was caught, but it was not weighed until the next day when it could be trucked to Loris and placed on the scales.”
More Pictures of the Cherry Grove Pier
My family owns this pier. In 1963 The Prince family built the Holiday House Motel on the adjoining property to the pier, and in 1965 they bought the Pier. The Cherry Grove Pier also has a colorful history when it comes to Hurricanes. In 1989 the Pier was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo which left a widespread path of destruction across the state of South Carolina. It was rebuilt and the two-story observation deck that was added became a very popular sightseeing destination. In September of 1999, Hurricane Floyd left its mark on the Cherry Grove Pier by snapping off the observation deck and depositing it 1,000 yards down the beach. It was rebuilt and renovated in time for the next summer season. In 1964, The 1,780-pound, world record tiger shark was caught by Walter Maxwell from Cherry Grove Pier. It remains to this day the only all-tackle world record ever caught in South Carolina. The shark is estimated to have weighed in at 2,000 lbs when it was caught, but it was not weighed until the next day when it could be trucked to Loris and placed on the scales. I have pictures of the shark. Please let me know if you want any other history about the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier.
What a remarkable comment, thank you so much for taking the time to share this information with us, we are greatly appreciative! We would love to see a photograph of the shark or any other stories you may have, these are invaluable! Our email address is share@scpictureproject.org. We placed your comment as a quote further up on the page so others will be sure to see it when they visit, thanks again.