EST. 1926
For 100 years, McClellanville has been a place where coastal heritage, community, and tradition come together. Join us as we celebrate a century of history and look ahead to the future.
2026 Centennial Events
Join us throughout the year as we celebrate 100 years of McClellanville
MAR 28
Centennial Wisteria Parade
Welcome spring with a charming village tradition as children of all ages gather in blooms and bright colors to parade through town.
APR 18
Jimmy Dupree Run for Peace
Join us as McClellanville celebrates hometown boxing legend Jimmy “The Cat” Dupree with a special community gathering featuring community speakers, exhibits, and food. The fun begins at noon at the old McClellanville School.
JUN 27
MAC Centennial Exhibit Opening
Celebrate McClellanville’s rich history through the arts at this special centennial exhibit. A Village Shaped by the Tides features works from local artists inspired by the landscapes, traditions, and stories that define our community.
JUL 4
Centennial July 4th Picnic
Celebrate Independence Day the village way—with a classic community picnic, good food, and time spent together. This year’s gathering is especially meaningful as we mark America’s 250th, too. The program starts at 11 AM. Be sure to get there early to find a shady spot. Bring your favorite dish to share. The Town provides shrimp and lemonade.
AUG 3
Founder's Day Reception
The Town of McClellanville will host a special Centennial Reception on August 3 at 6 PM held immediately prior to the regular Town Council meeting. Residents and friends are invited to gather for light refreshments and a brief program celebrating 100 years of community, history, and shared heritage.
OUR STORY
A Century on the Coast
From its roots as a fishing village to a tight-knit coastal community, McClellanville has preserved its history while embracing the future. The centennial is a time to honor that legacy.
Historic Landmarks
Places that tell the story of McClellanville
St. James-Santee Church
A historic Episcopal church dating back to the 1700s, surrounded by centuries-old live oaks.
Historic District
There are approximately 105 residential, commercial, and educational properties preserving the town’s character. Learn more about the town’s historic properties.
Jeremy Creek
The heart of McClellanville’s maritime heritage, home to generations of shrimp boats.
Deer Head Oak
At the southwest corner of Pinckney and Oak St., you can find the Deer Head Oak, which is estimated to be greater than 1000 years of age.
Village Timeline
Milestones that shaped the village
- 1856: McClellanville is founded by plantation owners Archibald James McClellan and Richard Tillia Morrison, who sold lots along Jeremy Creek to rice planters seeking summer refuge from inland fevers.
- 1860s: The village begins to grow as a seasonal retreat. Salt distillation and timber harvesting emerge during the Civil War era.
- Late 1800s: McClellanville becomes a hub for timber, turpentine, and seafood production. Its reputation for Bull’s Bay oysters and shrimp begins to take shape.
- 1922: McClellanville Public School opens grades 1-12
- 1926: McClellanville is officially incorporated as a town.
- 1930s: Establishment of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest protects surrounding coastal and forest ecosystems.
- 1940s: The Intracoastal Waterway was dredged and established along McClellanville’s coast.
- Mid-20th Century: The town maintains its identity as a fishing village, with modest growth and strong community ties.
1977: Founding of McClellanville Arts Council
1982: McClellanville Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places
McClellanville is devastated by Hurricane Hugo. The storm surge floods the local high school shelter, but residents survive by climbing into ceiling spaces. The storm reshapes the town’s landscape and resilience planning.
- 1990s: Historic preservation efforts intensify, with multiple sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1999: Founding of the Village Museum
- 2012: Cape Romain Environmental Education Charter School (CREECS) opens, offering K–8 education and attracting young families.
Continued emphasis on historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and community revitalization. Conserved properties in McClellanville through partnership with Lowcountry Land Trust include:
- 2021: Jeremy Creek Open Space Expansion (995 Pinckney Street)
- 2022: Deer Head Oak Park
- 2025: 14.67 acres at the Town’s northern gateway
McClellanville remains known for its Bull’s Bay seafood, artisanal culture, and gateway to Cape Romain.
The town has become a model for balancing heritage, ecology, and small-town identity.
Community Partners
Join Us in Celebrating 100 Years
Be part of a once-in-a-century celebration honoring McClellanville’s history, community, and future.
Presented by the Town of McClellanville