John and William Bertram were early travelers in the Southeast and in South Carolina. They named Hurl Rock, where Hurl Rock Park is now located on 21st Avenue South at Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. This is an unusual outcropping of black rock in an otherwise sandy county. A plaque commemorating the Bartrams stands in the parking lot.
Richard Bertram, the grandfather of John, had come to America with William Penn at the close of the 17th Century. These adventurous naturalists had Quaker roots, but were read out of meeting (excommunicated) in 1755 due to their “Independent religious views.” Bartram’s Gardens, an arboretum in Philadelphia on Elmwood Avenue West of 54th Street remains, displaying many unique plant specimens collected on the tours this father and son team made into our region.
More on Bartram’s Travels to NC and SC
Bartram’s Garderns in PhiladelphiaHurl Rock Park is at 21st Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard (SC 73).