The area now known as Southport was previously called South Hawes.
Origins of Southport's Name and Development
Before it became the popular seaside town of Southport, the region was referred to as South Hawes. This earlier designation described a landscape that was largely sparsely populated and characterized by its dominant sand dunes.
The transformation of South Hawes into a flourishing tourist destination was significantly influenced by its improving accessibility. Its proximity to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal provided easy access for visitors, marking the beginning of its popularity. Further boosting its growth and connectivity, the area gained a crucial railway connection by 1848, cementing its status as an attractive location for tourism and settlement.
