Georgetown, the third oldest city in South Carolina and the area of the very first settlement in the state, is teeming with history. There are many historic landmarks to explore, three that you do not want to miss, each with its own fascinating story and offerings.

Georgetown was named Best Coastal Small Town by USA Today in 2018 and is sometimes referred to as "little Charleston." It’s easy to see why!

1. Prince George Winyah Parish Church

Prince George Winyah Parish Church, an Anglican church established in 1721, is listed in the National Register as part of Georgetown’s historic district. Named for Prince George, who became George II of England, the church is one of the few from the colonial period still in use today.

The current structure on Broad Street, completed in 1755 after the original parish was divided to accommodate the growing population of the area, was badly damaged during both the Revolutionary War and the War Between the States. After the Revolution, a balcony and chancel were added when repairs were made. In 1824, the steeple was added.

The interior of the church is a sight to behold, featuring hand-carved woodwork, flagstone flooring, box pews, and English stained glass, which came from St. Mary’s Chapel at Hagley Plantation, a chapel that had been built by Plowden C.J. Weston for his slaves.

Stained glass windows were not found in colonial churches, however, box pews were customary. Charcoal burners were often used by pew owners during colder seasons since there was no heating system. The box pews retained the heat.

Prince George Winyah Parish Church lives out its vision well. Various types of ministries are available for all age groups.

Worship services are held on Sundays and Wednesdays. You can participate virtually via live stream on Prince George Winyah Parish Church's official website if needed or preferred.

To fill a need noticed in the community, Prince George Preschool opened in 1997 at the church. Over 50 children are currently involved in the program.

Additionally, the women of the church provide a Tour of Historic Plantations and Homes to help preserve the rich history of the area.

2. Strand Theater

Experience both history and 5-star entertainment, whether live community theater or academy award-winning movies at Strand Theater, another must-see historical marker in Georgetown. Formerly a movie theater built in 1941, the building has undergone renovations several times after a period of closure in the early ‘70s.

It needed some adaptations initially to make it suitable for live theatrical performances. The marquee has also been renovated and restored over the years. Several additions have been made, and various projects to redecorate the inside have been done.

You can catch one of four live performances a year by The Swamp Fox Players or a film shown on weekends between plays. Movies featured are usually current releases or art house movies that are hard to find at multiplex theaters. You can get tickets at The Swamp Fox Players' official website, by calling 843-527-2924 and selecting Option 1, or in person at the box office. Group rates and season tickets are also available!

3. Rice Museum

Last but certainly not least, Georgetown’s Rice Museum is a unique experience you will find well worth a visit, especially if you enjoy learning the history of an area. It would be a fabulous field trip for homeschooled students. Pictured here is one of many exhibits, the remains of an 18th-century boat hull.

Along with exhibits, you will find some artifacts from the era, photos, ledgers, and a film conveying the history of the region, its people, and rice plantations. You can do a self-guided tour or pay a small fee for a tour, best for those who can walk and climb stairs. Tour guides are well-trained history scholars, one of which won a state award for her advocacy of the traditional arts of Folklore and Traditional Preservation. You can read more about this and stay up to date on current events at the Rice Museum’s Facebook Page.

Even though rice culture collapsed after the Civil War, it was responsible for making Georgetown the wealthiest of the original 13 colonies. This history is presented in such a fashion as to not downplay or gloss over the role of slaves and the atrocities committed against them. Though this part of history is unimaginably difficult, as has been said, "Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it."

Located in the Old Market Building behind the iconic Clock Tower and a portion inside the adjacent Kaminski Hardware Building on Front Street, you will need at least an hour as there is so much to see and do at this museum. You can see the inside of the Clock Tower with paid admission. Military and student discounts are available.

Be sure to stop by the gift shop, which offers unusual and unique items such as handmade art-type items, jewelry, paintings, sweet grass baskets, and much more at a reasonable price, some items sourced locally and others from around the world. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the Rice Museum's official website for more information.

Have you ever visited any of these historic landmarks in Georgetown? Please tell us which one in the comments!