Conway is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina. Originally named Kingston, the town was created in 1734 as part of Royal Governor Robert Johnson's township scheme. After the American Revolution War, patriotic citizens wanted to discard the name that honored Britain's King George II. Kingston's name was changed to Conwayborough in honor of General Robert Conway. By the start of the Civil War the "borough" was dropped and the town has been known as Conway ever since.