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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

Dizzy Gillespie Birthplace Park

This park marks the site of jazz great Dizzy Gillespie'

Cheraw, SC Park

Cheraw Historic District & Town Green

Laid out in 1768 by Eli Kershaw, Cheraw has long been known for its tree-lined streets and gardens as well as its architectural legacy of over 200 years. During the American Revolution the town was occupied by both British and American forces. More than 50

Cheraw, SC Historic Districts

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

Interior Alternatives Outlet

Famous brand seconds for bed, bath and kitchen....

Days Inn

2 Diamond - AAA Approved; Meeting room - 40 people. Pets $7.00 per pet per night....

Cheraw State Park Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 365 days...

Trail Riding

Cheraw features three equestrian trails, the Blue Trail, the White Trail, and the Sandhills Connector Trail. The Blue and Whi...

Brainerd Institute

This institute grew out of an 1866 school for freedman. It became Brainerd Institute in 1868 when the Board of Missions of th...