Pawleys Island has many historic homes, marshes, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to the most famous legend in this area, The Grey Man. The Grey Man is said to warn those on the island of incoming and dangerous storms.
The legend states that he appeared on Pawleys Island beach before the hurricanes. He then tries to warn its residents of an incoming storm or hurricane and tells them to leave the island. Those residents who take his advice always return to the island with their homes intact, with no damage from the storm. He has been said to haunt the area for over 200 years.
The Grey Man is believed to be the ghost of a young man traveling from Charleston to see his fiancée in 1822. While he was on his way to his destination, his horse became trapped in mud in one of the marshes, right before Pawley’s Island.
It was reportedly a shortcut as he hurried to see his fiancée. His servant could not assist and watched the man and his horse sink below ground. When his fiancée found out, she was heartbroken, and during the funeral, it is said she took a long walk on the beach.