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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 Spring Festival

This spring celebration features arts and crafts, barbecue, a car show, canoe floats, entertainment, and a children's fair in one of South Carolina'

Cheraw, SC Other Events


Spears Guest House

Located downtown in historic district.Four bedrooms elegantly furnished with antiques and local art. Private baths, queen beds, kitchen, dining room &

Cheraw, SC Famous Homes

Cheraw State Park Golf Course

Course Access: Public
Holes: 18
Reserve Advance Tee Times: 365

Cheraw, SC Golf Courses

Things to do near Cheraw, SC

Northeastern Technical College

Public, two-year technical college...

Cheraw Country Club

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

Executive Inn

Downtown location, continental breakfast, and restaurants nearby. Outdoor pool; modem line in rooms, and pets allowed with fe...

EL Bethel UMC

This church and cemetery dates to before the Civil War. Please call the church or the Chester County library (803-377-8145) ...

Ridgeway Campground

37 campsites with water and electric; 7 pull throughs; dump station; nature trail; fishing lake; rates at $17.09 a night; off...