To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Highway System in 2026, BC News & Dollar-Saver is launching a special four-part series exploring the legendary roads that built our region. Over the next few weeks, we will trace the history of the “Great Shields” Every Saturday morning — from the bootlegger trails of the inland to the sun-drenched “Ocean Highway” that defines our coast.
How US 17 Transformed a Rugged Coastline into a Tourism Powerhouse
By BCNews Staff Writer
If US 1 was the inland ancestor, US Route 17 is the undeniable backbone of our coastal economy. Known for nearly a century as the “Ocean Highway,” this route turned the isolated fishing villages of Brunswick and Horry counties into world-class destinations. Before 1926, traveling the coast was a grueling task of navigating sandy ruts and slow river ferries. The official designation of US 17 100 years ago forced a modernization of our region, replacing the old ways with a unified path that stretched from Virginia to the Florida coast.
One of the most significant milestones in our local history occurred shortly after the highway’s birth. The 1929 opening of the “Twin Bridges” in Wilmington eliminated the need for a ferry to cross the Cape Fear River, finally allowing motorists a seamless drive into Brunswick County. Further south, the 1938 opening of the Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge in Conway did the same for the Grand Strand. These engineering feats transformed a trip to the shore from an arduous weekend expedition into an afternoon drive, paving the way for the motels, seafood houses, and attractions that define our landscape today.
The path of US 17 is steeped in even deeper history, as much of the corridor follows the colonial “King’s Highway.” In 1791, George Washington traveled this exact route during his Southern Tour, famously losing his hat to the winds of what we now call Windy Hill. Today, as we celebrate the highway’s centennial, US 17 serves as the linear descendant of those ancient trails. It remains the vital lifeline that connects our communities, moving millions of visitors each year and sustaining the vibrant coastal culture we call home.
Next Week: The Tobacco Trail: How US 301 and a “Border” landmark changed the way we travel.
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