Discovering Highwood: Where Pawleys Island History Lives On
Nestled beneath the sheltering boughs of ancient oaks and just minutes from the famous sands of Pawleys Island, Highwood is a neighborhood with stories as enduring as its moss-draped trees. While newer developments have sprung up along the Grand Strand, Highwood stands apart for its unique blend of historical roots, architectural beauty, and the unmistakable spirit of community that binds its residents together. As a longtime local, there’s nothing I enjoy more than sharing the deep heritage and quiet charm that make Highwood a hidden gem in our beloved corner of South Carolina.
The Origins of Highwood
Highwood’s story begins in the late 19th century, when Pawleys Island was beginning to emerge as a seasonal retreat for rice planters and coastal merchants. The land where Highwood sits today was originally part of one of the area’s historic plantations, bordered by the Waccamaw River to the west and the salt marshes to the east. These woodlands were prized for their shady live oaks and the “high wood” elevation, which proved more resistant to flooding and summer storms—a rarity along our low-lying coast.
Locals referred to the tract by its distinctive forest, and by the turn of the twentieth century, “Highwood” was commonly used to describe the area by families who picnicked beneath its trees or hunted its game-rich grounds. It wasn’t until the mid-1950s that the land was officially surveyed and earmarked for a small, thoughtfully planned residential community.
How the Neighborhood Got Its Name
Unlike many neighborhoods that indulge in fanciful naming, Highwood’s moniker is a straightforward nod to its environment. The high ground—unusual for Georgetown County—was especially valued before modern drainage systems; settlers and planters always sought higher, drier land for their homes. Combined with the dense woods that once blanketed the tract, “Highwood” became the natural choice for the neighborhood’s founding families and has been proudly embraced ever since.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1956: Highwood’s first official survey and platting are recorded, setting aside a generous mix of single-family plots wrapped around the central thoroughfare, Highwood Circle.
- 1960s-1970s: The neighborhood expands, with homes reflecting classic Lowcountry architecture—wide porches, raised foundations, and louvered shutters. During this period, community covenants are established, preserving the leafy streetscape and preventing overdevelopment.
- 1984: Highwood Park, a residents-only green space, is dedicated at the intersection of Highwood Circle and Camellia Drive. The park quickly becomes the heart of the neighborhood, hosting everything from summer picnics to Easter egg hunts.
- 2005: The Highwood Association launches a historic preservation campaign, cataloging the neighborhood’s earliest homes and organizing oral histories from founding residents.
Throughout it all, Highwood has carefully balanced development with tradition, preserving generous setbacks and old-growth trees even as newer homes have appeared.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
One of Highwood’s joys is the architectural heritage preserved in its quaint lanes:
- The Chapman House (119 Highwood Circle): Built in 1957, this sprawling cottage was the very first house in the neighborhood. With its brick chimney, screened porch, and original heart pine floors, it’s a cherished time capsule from Highwood’s formative years.
- St. James Chapel: Situated just a short stroll from Highwood’s southern boundary on Waverly Road, this mid-century brick church has been a steady presence for interfaith gatherings, weddings, and community support since 1962.
- Highwood Park: More than just a green space, the park’s grand central oak is believed to be nearly 200 years old and serves as the backdrop for countless neighborhood celebrations.
Some of the oak-lined side streets—like Jasmine Lane and Camellia Drive—still feature original gas lamp posts and shell driveways, reminders of a slower, quieter era in Pawleys Island’s history.
Highwood’s Evolution Over the Decades
While the essence of Highwood has always been neighborliness and nature, each decade has brought subtle changes:
- 1970s-1980s: As Pawleys Island gained national attention for its pristine beaches and casual elegance, Highwood attracted families seeking year-round homes. Ranch-style architecture mixed with Lowcountry classics, and family-run businesses began to line nearby Ocean Highway.
- 1990s-2000s: With the surge in golf course development and gated communities, Highwood distinguished itself with an open, friendly layout and mature landscaping—no gates, just shaded sidewalks and welcome mats.
- Recent Years: Younger families and retirees alike are drawn by Highwood’s walkability, strong sense of community, and easy access to schools like Waccamaw Elementary and Waccamaw High. The tradition of seasonal potlucks and porch gatherings continues, with newer residents embracing the neighborhood’s storied past.
A notable evolution has been the stewardship shown by Highwood’s homeowners association, which manages not only the park and common areas but hosts monthly yard-of-the-month awards and historical walking tours. Whether you’re on Highwood Circle beneath a canopy of moss, or pausing to chat with friends outside St. James Chapel, it’s clear that this is a neighborhood where history is not just remembered but lovingly celebrated.
What Makes Highwood Special Today
Ask anyone who calls Highwood home, and you’ll hear about the things that haven’t changed: neighbors who know each other by name, children chasing fireflies in the twilight, and the timeless sense of belonging. It’s a quiet, tree-shaded oasis that has retained the best qualities of Pawleys Island life, though just beyond its borders, the world has grown busier.
For all it owes to careful planning and preservation, Highwood’s true magic is intangible—a harmonious blend of history, heritage, and heartfelt connection. Whether you’re walking your dog along Camellia Drive or admiring the architectural treasures of Highwood Circle, you’re wrapped in the story of a community that cherishes its past and looks eagerly to the future. Here, the spirit of Pawleys Island lives on, stronger than ever, beneath the high woods.