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

Nothing is known of their language, and very little else concerning them, as they were never prominent in history. Their associations suggest they were part of the Siouan Family. Their habitat was along the Waccamaw River, which enters the Pedee from the North at its mouth. They were first mentioned in 1715 as living near the Winyaw; both tribes received ammunition from the Cheraw, who tried 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 September 2026.

Also See:

Index of Tribes

Indian Wars

Native American Photo Galleries

Native Americans – First Owners of America

See Sources.