Calabash is part of a 48,000-acre grant made to Landgrave Thomas Smith on 1691. Until 1735, it was considered to be part of South Carolina. In the late 1800's, the area was called Pea Landing because of the growing and shipping of peanuts. Sometime in 1883, the village requested a post office. A requirement on the application was for a name for the proposed post office Calabash was selected. Calabash is known for its small-town atmosphere and seafood restaurants. It's home to "Calabash" style seafood, which is lightly battered and then flash fried. Performer Jimmy Durante helped put Calabash on the map with his former saying, "Good night Miss Calabash, wherever you are!"