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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




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

First Presbyterian Church And Session House

Built c. 1832, the church's Greek Revival influences include four Doric columns that support the portico. Originally clapboard, the building was bricked over in 1922. The Session House is a small, one-story frame Greek-Revival structure, built in 1842

Cheraw, SC Famous Homes

Things to do near Cheraw, SC

Chester Golf Course

A Russell Breeden designed course, fairly open and flat, but long from the back tees at 6,800 yards. The course features seve...

Chesterfield Motel

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Chester State Park

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Pageland Chamber Of Commerce

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

Jameson Inn

Fitness center, suites available. Rooms have microwaves and refrigerators....