The Waccamaw people were one of the small tribes formerly dwelling on the Lower Pedee River and its branches in South Carolina and the adjacent border of North Carolina.

Nothing is known of their language, and very little else concerning them, as they were never prominent in history. Their associations indicate that they were of the Siouan Family. Their habitat was along the Waccamaw River, which enters the Pedee from the north at its mouth. They were mentioned first in 1715 as living near the Winyaw, both tribes receiving ammunition from the Cheraw, who attempted to gain them as allies of the Yamasee and other tribes against the English. At this time, they lived in six villages with a population of 610.

In 1755, the Cherokee and Notchee were reported to have killed some Pedee and Waccamaw in the white settlements. Like the Pedee, Cheraw, and other tribes of that region, they probably finally incorporated with the Catawba.

 

©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated March 2025.

Also See:

Index of Tribes

Indian Wars

Native American Photo Galleries

Native Americans – First Owners of America

See Sources.