State Abbreviation: SC

Capital: Columbia

Name Origin: The Carolinas were named after King Charles I of England.

Nickname: Palmetto State

Statehood: May 23, 1788 (8th State)

State Motto: "Animis opibusque parati" (Prepared in mind and resources) and "Dum spiro spero" (While I breathe, I hope)”

South Carolina, with its rich history and diverse cultural tapestry, has a compelling past that shaped its identity and influenced the nation. The state's earliest history can be traced back 13,000 years when archaic communities inhabited the region, undergoing transformations alongside other cultures in the area. By the time Europeans arrived, South Carolina was home to 29 native nations, primarily falling under the Eastern Siouan and Cusaboan culture groups.

European exploration of the coast began in 1521, with subsequent attempts by the Spanish and French to establish colonies proving unsuccessful. In 1663, King Charles II of England granted a charter to wealthy aristocrats, and the colony was named Carolina as a buffer zone between Spanish territory and English colonies. The first English settlement was established in 1670 at Albemarle Point but was later relocated to Charleston due to challenging conditions.

South Carolina officially separated from North Carolina in 1729, with Charleston playing a significant role in the colonies' affairs. During the Revolution and the Civil War, Charleston witnessed extensive military action. In the 1800s, the state played a prominent role in opposing the federal government and entrenching slavery, becoming the largest slave state by percentage of the population enslaved. Strict laws were enacted to maintain the dominance of the white minority over the black majority.

The Nullification Crisis of 1832, led by South Carolinian John C. Calhoun, exemplified the state's pro-slavery stance. South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union in 1861, igniting the Civil War with the firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Following the war, South Carolina briefly experienced expanded rights for Black Americans during Reconstruction, only to face their swift reversal during the Jim Crow era.

Despite its history as a stronghold of slavery, South Carolina exhibited comparatively less violence during desegregation and was among the swiftest former Confederate states to remove the Confederate flag from government buildings in response to racial violence. In recent times, South Carolina has transformed into a popular tourist destination, shifting its focus from traditional manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

Notable historic sites in South Carolina include Fort Sumter National Monument, Fort Moultrie, Fort Johnson, and the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier in Charleston Harbor. Visitors can also explore the Middleton, Magnolia, and Cypress Gardens in Charleston, as well as Cowpens National Battlefield. Hilton Head resorts and the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden in Columbia are also worth exploring, adding to the state's vibrant tourist attractions.

• On Hilton Head Island visitors can find a mysterious circle of 4,000-year-old shells called the Sea Pines Shell Ring. It may have been a ceremonial area for Native Americans.
  
• At Patriots Point in Charleston Harbor, visitors can explore naval ships including a submarine, a destroyer, and the U.S.S. Yorktown aircraft carrier.
  
• Baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson; civil rights activist Marian Wright Edelman; and musicians James Brown, Chubby Checker, and Dizzy Gillespie were all born in South Carolina.

1. Visit Charleston: Explore the historic streets of Charleston, known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming southern hospitality. Take a carriage ride through the city's historic district, visit iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row and the Battery, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history.
2. Explore the Beaches: South Carolina boasts beautiful coastal areas with stunning beaches. Head to Myrtle Beach, a popular tourist destination known for its wide sandy shores, amusement parks, and vibrant boardwalk. For a more serene beach experience, visit Hilton Head Island, where you can relax, play golf, or indulge in water sports.
3. Discover Plantations and Gardens: Take a step back in time by exploring the historic plantations and gardens of South Carolina. Visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, where you can wander through breathtaking gardens, take a tour of the plantation house, and learn about the history of the Lowcountry. Boone Hall Plantation, Middleton Place, and Drayton Hall are also worth exploring.
4. Explore Congaree National Park: Embark on an outdoor adventure at Congaree National Park, home to one of the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the United States. Hike along scenic trails, paddle through the park's waterways, and marvel at the towering trees and diverse wildlife.
5. Discover History at Fort Sumter: Visit Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston Harbor, the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Take a boat tour to the fort, explore its grounds, and learn about the events that led to the start of the war. It's a significant historical site that offers insights into the nation's past.