The Pee Dee is a region of South Carolina located in the northeastern corner of the state. It lies along the lower watershed of the Pee Dee River, which was named after the Pee Dee Indian Tribe, a state-recognized tribe of approximately 200 members.
History
The region was the homeland of the Pee Dee Native Americans, a people who originally occupied the area as part of the South Appalachian Mississippian Culture from about 1000 to 1400, leaving some centers for unknown reasons. The people reside in the area to this day, with the seat of the tribal government having been located in neighboring Marlboro County since 1976.
Economy
The region's largest city is Florence. It encompasses the Grand Strand, which includes the beaches running from the North Carolina state border to the Winyah Bay in Georgetown County in South Carolina. On the coast, the economy is dominated by tourism, and features beaches, amusement parks, shopping, fishing, and golf. The area has become a major retirement center in the United States, in part because of its low cost of living, mild weather, and its many golf courses. Inland is a belt featuring rivers, marshes, carolina bays, and sandy rises where forestry is predominant. There are pine plantations and baldcypress timbering. Further inland, on higher ground, but still of only slight relief, is an agricultural belt of cultivation of tobacco, cotton, soybeans and produce.
Regional definition
There is no agreed definition on which of South Carolina's counties are included in the region. The region takes its name from the Pee Dee River. The counties in the Pee Dee region are located, either entirely or partially, within the river's watershed.
The Pee Dee region has remained relatively constant during the first decade of the 21st century in terms of its voting history. The region's voters have been close during the previous four presidential elections, but lean toward the Republican Party. The tilt of the region is primarily due to the numerous Republicans resident in Horry County along the Atlantic coast. At the congressional level, the region, including the rarely included counties, is located within three congressional districts. The Pee Dee region is mostly contained in South Carolina's 7th congressional district. Williamsburg, Clarendon, parts of Sumter, and parts of Florence counties are located in the majority-minority6th district. Lee and the remaining parts of Sumter counties are located in 5th district. The 5th and 6th districts are represented by Republican Mick Mulvaney and Democrat Jim Clyburn, respectively. The 7th district was established following the 2010 census. In the 2012 elections, incumbents Mulvaney and Clyburn won re-election. Republican Tom Rice defeated Democrat Gloria Tinubu, both of Horry County, 54.9% to 45.1%, to represent South Carolina's new House seat.
