Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour

Myrtle Beach’s history dates back over a century, when its natural beauty and mild climate first began luring visitors. But the city’s story took a pivotal turn during World War II, when it became home to critical military facilities. Today, travelers can explore this rich past through a guided trolley tour, uncovering the city’s wartime significance and key historic landmarks. From the iconic Myrtle Beach Pavilion to the former air force base, the tour offers a comfortable and immersive way to understand how Myrtle Beach’s past has shaped its present. What secrets might this two-hour journey uncover?

Key Points

• Myrtle Beach’s origins trace back to the late 19th century, as the area’s natural beauty and temperate climate drew visitors from across the Southeast.
• Myrtle Beach served as the site of the Myrtle Beach Army Air Field during WWII, hosting military training facilities and contributing to the city’s rapid economic growth.
• Key historical landmarks, such as the Myrtle Beach Pavilion and Boardwalk, offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s past and its pivotal role during the war.
• The two-hour narrated WWII Years Trolley Tour provides an accessible and enjoyable way for visitors to explore Myrtle Beach’s early history and wartime significance.
• The trolley tour departs from The Market Common in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and is not wheelchair accessible but allows service animals.

Overview of Myrtle Beach History

Myrtle Beach’s origins can be traced back to the late 19th century, when the area’s natural beauty and temperate climate began attracting visitors from across the Southeast.

Over the following decades, the seaside town grew from a sleepy fishing village into a bustling resort destination.

During World War II, Myrtle Beach played a critical role, serving as the site of the Myrtle Beach Army Air Field. This military presence brought an influx of soldiers and their families, contributing to the city’s rapid development.

Today, Myrtle Beach is known for its iconic boardwalk, thriving entertainment district, and world-class golf courses, drawing millions of travelers each year to experience its rich history and vibrant coastal charm.

Myrtle Beach’s Beginnings

The area’s natural beauty and temperate climate first began attracting visitors from across the Southeast in the late 19th century, laying the foundations for what would become the bustling resort destination of Myrtle Beach.

The city’s origins trace back to the late 1800s, when a group of local entrepreneurs recognized the area’s potential as a vacation spot. They began developing hotels, boardwalks, and other amenities to cater to the growing number of travelers seeking respite from the region’s sweltering summers.

As Myrtle Beach continued to grow, it solidified its reputation as a beloved coastal retreat, setting the stage for its expansion and transformation into the popular vacation hub it’s today.

WWII and Myrtle Beach

During World War II, Myrtle Beach played a vital role in supporting the war effort, as the city’s strategic location and temperate climate made it an ideal setting for military training and operations.

The U.S. Army Air Forces established a base in Myrtle Beach, which served as a vital training ground for pilots, navigators, and bombardiers.

The city also hosted a number of other military facilities, including:

1. The U.S. Army Air Forces Technical Training Command
2. The U.S. Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School
3. The U.S. Navy’s Aerologists’ School
4. The U.S. Coast Guard’s Training Station

These military installations brought thousands of servicemembers to Myrtle Beach, contributing to the city’s economic growth and transformation during the war years.

Landmarks of the City

Many notable landmarks dot the landscape of Myrtle Beach, each with its own unique history and significance.

One such landmark is the Myrtle Beach Pavilion, a beloved amusement park that operated from 1938 to 2006, offering generations of visitors a taste of classic seaside entertainment.

Another iconic site is the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a 1.2-mile stretch of wooden walkway along the coast, providing stunning ocean views and a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

The former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, now a mixed-use development, serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s role during World War II, when it played a crucial role in training pilots and supporting the war effort.

Climate-Controlled Trolley Tour

Regularly, the two-hour narrated trolley ride takes visitors on a captivating journey through Myrtle Beach’s early history and its pivotal role during World War II, all from the comfort of a climate-controlled vehicle.

This tour offers several key advantages:

1. Protection from the elements, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of weather conditions.
2. Enhanced visibility and panoramic views, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the sights and stories of the city.
3. Accessibility for those unable to walk long distances, making the tour inclusive for a wider range of visitors.
4. A relaxed and enjoyable mode of transportation, complementing the educational and historical aspects of the experience.

Two-Hour Narrated Experience

The two-hour narrated trolley tour takes visitors on an engrossing journey through Myrtle Beach’s formative years and its pivotal role during World War II.

A knowledgeable guide provides a captivating commentary, bringing to life the city’s humble beginnings as a small beach town and its transformation into a thriving tourist destination.

Passengers will explore landmarks that played a significant part in Myrtle Beach’s history, from the original site of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion to the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s past and appreciate the enduring legacy that continues to shape its present.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Travelers meet at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577 to join the two-hour narrated trolley tour.

The tour starts promptly at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point. Guests should plan to arrive a few minutes early to check-in.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed. The tour has a maximum capacity of 33 travelers. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

After checking in, guests will climb aboard the climate-controlled trolley and embark on an immersive exploration of Myrtle Beach’s early history and World War II significance.

Additional Tour Details

During the two-hour trolley ride, guests will learn about Myrtle Beach’s early development as a small coastal town and its vital role during World War II. A knowledgeable guide provides narration, bringing the city’s history to life through stories and anecdotes.

Along the way, the trolley makes stops at notable landmarks that played a significant part in Myrtle Beach’s formative years.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted. The tour is limited to a maximum of 33 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Operated by Myrtle Beach History Tours, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s past and gain a deeper appreciation for its rich heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour, as the tour does not provide them. However, food and beverages must be consumed during the ride and cannot be brought into any stops along the way.

Is the Trolley Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

Unfortunately, the trolley tour is not wheelchair accessible. The tour description clearly states "Not wheelchair accessible" under the Additional Information section. Guests who require wheelchair access may want to consider alternative sightseeing options in Myrtle Beach.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

According to the information provided, tickets for the Myrtle Beach History Tours don’t need to be purchased in advance. The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, so booking ahead is not required.

What if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is bad on the day of the tour, Myrtle Beach History Tours will likely cancel the tour for safety reasons. Customers can receive a full refund or reschedule for another day with better weather conditions.

Can I Take Photos During the Trolley Ride?

Guests are welcome to take photos during the trolley ride. The tour provides a great opportunity to capture the sights and landmarks along the way. However, guests should be mindful of not obstructing the view of others.

Recap

The Myrtle Beach trolley tour offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s captivating history, from its origins as a natural wonder to its pivotal role during WWII.

Through a comfortable, climate-controlled ride, travelers can discover the iconic landmarks that have shaped Myrtle Beach’s past, gaining a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich heritage and the significant events that have unfolded within its borders.