Pee Dee River

The Pee Dee River or Great Pee Dee River is a river in the United States. It originates in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, where its headwaters above the confluence with the Uwharrie River are known as the Yadkin River. The river's course is largely accompanied by dams for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. The name of the river is derived from the Pee Dee Indian tribe. The tribe and river also gave the name to the region called Pee Dee in the northeastern counties of South Carolina.

The river is navigable to Fall Line in Cheraw, South Carolina, and has been an important trade route from colonial times. Near the mouth of the river at Georgetown was one of the world's largest logging companies until the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The pine forests along the river were logged and the logs floated down the river where they were cut and shipped to the northern areas of the United States and Europe.

The flood plain at the lower reaches of the river was intensively used for the cultivation of rice until the middle of the 19th century. Rice was one of the most important commodities exported from Georgetown at that time. After the War of Secession, rice cultivation declined due to the end of slavery and because of increased competition. Two hurricanes in the early 20th century eventually destroyed most of the irrigation canals, drawing a line under rice cultivation in the area.

Nowadays, the river is no longer used intensively for navigation. However, it is still an important source of hydroelectric power generation and drinking water supply, but is also used for recreation and leisure. While the river can flow largely unimpeded by dams in South Carolina, several dams exist on the upper reaches in North Carolina. The opening and closing of the flood gates causes wide fluctuations in water flow, which has occasionally led to controversy between the two states over the distribution of water, especially during dry periods. Commercial fishing of alosae exists on a small scale, and shrimp on the lower reaches. The river is well suited for recreational fishing and boating, which is why there are numerous boat docks. Most of the river, however, runs through pristine forests; nyssa, oak, and nyssa sylvatica grow primarily along the banks. Herons and alligators are common along the river, and bald eagles are occasionally seen.

The section of the river below U.S. Highway 378 to Winyah Bay is designated as a Scenic River.

Tributaries include the Lumber River, Little Pee Dee River, Lynches River, Black River, and Waccamaw River. The river empties into Winyah Bay and thus into the Atlantic Ocean.

Snow Island is a larger island at the mouth of the Lynches River. It was the site of General Francis Marion's headquarters during the War of Independence. The island provided a safe retreat for him and his militia, as his camp was not found by the British.