The city of Georgetown

Established | In 1729, the third oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston and Beaufort. By 1840, the city and Georgetown County had become one of the nation’s wealthiest locales as a result of exports of indigo dye and “Carolina Gold” rice that were grown on local plantations.

Origin of name | The city was named for King George II of England.

What’s grand about it | Quaint downtown shops, oak-lined streets, historic eateries, majestic mansions, museums, interesting architecture and the Harborwalk, a waterfront boardwalk dotted with shops and restaurants, in the downtown business district.

Major events | Winyah Bay Heritage Festival in March, the Wooden Boat Show in October and Taste of Georgetown in November.

Major employers | City of Georgetown, Georgetown Hospital Systems and ArcelorMittal steel mill.

What’s new | The city is implementing an advanced metering infrastructure system that will allow city residents to monitor their water and electric consumption. The system should be operational in early 2013, at which time water and electric customers will be able to access real-time information online about their consumption of water and electric.

Property tax | 87 mills

Numbers to know

City Hall | 120 N. Fraser St., P.O. Box 939; 843-545-4000

Mayor | Mayor Jack M. Scoville Jr., 843-546-1130, 843-546-4565 or scorac@aol.com

Mayor pro tem | Rudolph A. Bradley, 843-546-7451, 843-997-3602 or rudolphab@oppf.com

Councilmember | Jeanette Ard, 843-546-5108, 843-359-3126 or colonialfloral@yahoo.com

Councilmember | Paige B. Sawyer III, 843-546-3745 or paigesawyer@sccc.tv

Councilmember | Clarence C. Smalls, 843-520-6127 or csmalls@cogsc.com

Councilmember | Peggy P. Wayne, 843-546-1511, 843-546-6764 or peggywayne1@yahoo.com

This story was originally published September 23, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The city of Georgetown."