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This park marks the site of jazz great Dizzy Gillespie's birthplace in Cheraw. The park includes a historical marker on his life and features sculpture and park benches that symbolize his life. The park is open from dawn to dusk. There is also a statue of Gillespie on the Cheraw Town Green on Market Street.

Born here in 1917 as John Birks Gillespie, Dizzy attended public schools, graduating from Robert Smalls in 1933. His family attended the Wesley United Methodist Church (c. 1915) on Green Street and as a child, he was employed to keep kids from sneaking into the c. 1920 Lyric Theater, a skill he'd become quite adept at. (Now the Theater on the Green, the restored facility is used for performances. ) His musical talents earned him a scholarship to the Laurinberg Institute in North Carolina. In 1990, Gillespie received the National Medal of the Arts (the highest award bestowed upon an American artist) and was honored by the Kennedy Center for his contributions to the performing arts. A guide to the sites connected to his life is available at the Cheraw Chamber of Commerce. Dizzy died in 1993.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Cheraw Historic District

Tours for groups of 10 or more through Cheraw's Historic District, including inside visits to Old St. David'

Cheraw, SC Historic Districts

Days Inn

Near Cheraw's historic downtown; golf course nearby; 100

Cheraw, SC Businesses

Cheraw Country Club

Located in the Sandhills of South Carolina, Cheraw Country Club provides golfers an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely round of golf at a great rate.This course’s signature #4 hole features a water hazard and trees on both sides of the fairway. The most difficult hole, #11, is a 440-yard, par 4

Cheraw, SC Golf Courses


Cheraw Country Club

Course Access: Semi-Private
Holes: 18
Reserve Advance Tee Times: 1

Cheraw, SC Golf Courses

Things to do near Cheraw, SC

Catholic Presbyterian

Founded 1759, oldest standing church in the county. Please call the church or the Chester County library (803-377-8145) for d...

Cheraw Theatre On The Green

Historic theater in downtown Cheraw....

Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church

Begun in 1866 as a brush arbor church, built of poles, tree branches and bushes by freed slaves. The first wooden structure ...

Ridgeway Motel

Small, family owned motel with restaurant next door. Pets allowed. AAA, AARP discounts available....

Cheraw Country Club

Located in the Sandhills of South Carolina, Cheraw Country Club provides golfers an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely round o...