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South Carolina History

South Carolina - an Introduction

Flag of South Carolina

The Palmetto tree was added to the original design by Colonel William Moultrie in 1775 for use by South Carolina troops during the Revolutionary War. Colonel Moultrie chose a blue color which matched the color of their uniforms and a crescent which reproduced the silver emblem worn on the front of their caps. The palmetto tree symbolized Colonel Moultrie's heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan's Island against the attack of the British fleet on June 28, 1776.

South Carolina is known for its beaches, golf courses, and historic districts. It ranks 40th in size and the 23rd in population. Its most influential cities are Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg and Florence.

South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, on May 23, 1788. South Carolina became the first state to vote in favor of secession from the Union on December 20, 1860. After the American Civil War, it was readmitted into the United States on June 25, 1868. South Carolina’s name honors King Charles I of England, who first formed the English colony, with Carolus being Latin for “Charles”.

The state can be divided into three geographic areas.

From east to west: the Atlantic coastal plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Lowcountry refers to the coastal plain region, and the other two regions as the Midlands and the Upstate respectively. The Atlantic coastal plain makes up two-thirds of the state. Its eastern border is the Sea Islands, a chain of tidal and barrier islands. Here’s a list of fun facts about the state of South Carolina:

  • State Capital: Columbia
  • State Nickname: The Palmetto State
  • Population: 5.18 Million
  • Governor: Henry McMaster
  • Largest City: Charleston
  • Land Area: 32,000 Square Miles
  • Coastline: 187 Miles
  • Largest Barrier Island: Hilton Head
  • State Animal: White-tail Deer
  • State Tree: Palmetto
  • Gemstone: Amethyst
  • State Flower: Yellow Jasmine
  • State Bird: Carolina Wren
  • Fruit: Peach
  • State Reptile: Loggerhead Turtle
  • State Motto: “While I Breathe, I Hope”
  • Song: “Carolina”
  • State Dance: The Shag