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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

Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority

Providing public transportation to Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marlboro and Marion County since 1976

Cheraw, SC Other Attractions


Cheraw Lyceum

The Lyceum (c. 1820) began as a chancery court, became the Lyceum Meeting Room and private library, served as Cheraw's first telegraph office, and was both the Confederate and Union quartermasters' headquarters. It now houses a museum depicting Cheraw'

Cheraw, SC Other Attractions



Things to do near Cheraw, SC

Ruff and Co. Mercantile

The business has been in town since 1840; the building dates back to 1840 and they still heat the place with a wood stove....

Ridgeway Campground

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

Pageland Chamber Of Commerce

The Pageland Chamber of Commerce encourages and invites visitors to the Pageland area year-round. Each July, tourists from a...

Colvin Farm Bed And Breakfast

Colvin Farm is a tranquil 12 acre retreat in the rolling hills of the Piedomnt. The relaxed and comfortable 1835 farmhouse e...

South Carolina Jazz Festival

The South Carolina Jazz Festival opens its inaugural year October 20 in Dizzy Gillespie?s hometown of Cheraw with a weekend c...