Legend says that on the grounds of the old Hagley Plantation, now a residential community in Pawleys Island, the ghosts of a man and woman can sometimes be seen walking near the water. According to reports, the couple reportedly died sometime during the Civil War era on their wedding day.
The story goes that after their ceremony had concluded, a young, dashing horseman arrived. When the bride saw him, she screamed in excitement. The groom, bride, and horseman had grown up together and were considered great friends. However, both young men had the same eyes for the same girl, but she didn’t know which one to marry.
The bride’s family intervened, using their influence, and pressured her into choosing the horseman. But, shortly after, he went to sea, and it was presumed he had died since he never returned.
Eventually, the young woman agreed to marry the other man. Moments after the wedding, the horseman finally returned. Both men felt she should be with the other, but neither wanted to live without her.
The horseman charged towards the ocean and drowned himself. The groom leaped into the nearby river, and when the bride ran after him, she accidentally fell in. Despite the efforts of the surrounding wedding party, both perished.
Today, legend has it that the man and woman wander the grounds of the old Hagley Plantation, just as they did many years ago.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.
