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History of Loris
Development in the late 1800's drove the Chadbourn Lumber Company (Chadbourn, NC) to purchase a tract of land on December 7, 1887 from James Patterson. The five sided lot was purchased for $1 and Loris, South Carolina was born. The railroad company built a depot on the land to service their trains and a successful timber business.
The name "Loris" has it's roots with the Chadbourn family. the town is said to have either been named for a novel or a favorite dog belonging to the Chadbourn children. Only history knows the real answer.
By 1890, Loris had four stores near Todd's Ferry Road, now Main Street. Loris grew by leaps and bounds during the early 1900's. On July 26, 1902, Loris was incorporated with a one mile radius and the mayor was D. J. Butler.
The agri-business industry has always been driving force in the growth of our area. At one time Loris had the largest tobacco market and best cotton market in the state, according to the Horry Herald, January 1909. The 20's and 30's saw Loris grow into an economic center for Northern Horry County.
Today Loris is a thriving city that forms the economic hub of Northern Horry County. Approximately 3,000 residents live inside the city limits, with more than 62,444 people living within a 15 mile radius of Loris. These figures were obtained in a January, 1996 State Development Board study.
Loris is home to a modern, state-of-the-art hospital, extended care center and Center for Health and Fitness, all a part of the Loris Healthcare System.
U.S. Highway 701 and Highway 9 serve Loris. The Carolina Southern Railroad passes through downtown Loris on it's way to Conway. Horry Telephone Cooperative, Inc. and Santee Cooper provide telephone and electrical services to area residents.
Loris Commerce Center is a state-of-the-art center for commerce and development and it is located within the city limits. Four lending institutions serve the area with all of the service needed to handle most any financial need.
Loris is governed by a Council/Administrator form of government. City Hall is centrally located on Walnut Street. The City boasts one of the best volunteer fire departments in the state, with and ISO rating of class four. Loris is also served by a full time police force and assisted by Horry County Police when necessary.
Loris is located just 20 minutes from the Greater Grand Strand, approximately 35 miles from Myrtle Beach and 142 miles from Columbia, the state capital.
Twin Cities Airport, used by both private and corporate planes regularly, is a general aviation airport and is located just north of town. Myrtle Beach International offers daily air service.
The average annual temperature is 63.4 degrees. January averages 45.6 while July averages 80.3 degrees. Rainfall averages are estimated at 53.4 inches per year.
The Loris Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual festival, "The Loris Bog-Off Festival", in the fall of the year. When most people hear the word "bog" they think of mud, but in Loris "bog" is a true southern delicacy. Come check out our festival and try this wonderful dish.
The friendly, small town atmosphere is what keeps people coming back to Loris. A successful town is measured by the moral fiber of it's churches, schools, and people. Loris has all of the ingredients to make you want to call Loris your home too! Come visit for a few days or spend a lifetime. You're always welcome. Real southern hospitality is our specialty.
*history page from the Loris Map from the Chamber of Commerce