A 16,000 acre research reserve, Hobcaw Barony is one of the few undeveloped tracts on the Waccamaw Neck. The Native Americans called it “hobcaw,” meaning between the waters. In 1718, the land became a colonial land grant or barony. Sold and subdivided into plantations, the land was part of profitable rice production until the beginning of the 20th century.

Bernard M. Baruch, Wall Street financier and adviser to presidents, purchased the property in 1905 for use as a winter hunting retreat. After 50 years, he sold all the land to his daughter Belle Baruch. At the time of her death in 1964, she created a foundation to manage the land as an outdoor laboratory for the colleges and universities in South Carolina.

Although privately owned, Hobcaw Barony provides staff-guided access through tours and programs offered by the foundation and universities.