South Carolina

Basic Information

South Carolina, located in the southeastern United States, is known for its coastal beaches, historic plantation homes, and Southern hospitality. It was one of the original thirteen colonies and the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Capital

• Columbia

Largest City

• Charleston

Area

• 32,020 sq mi (40th largest)

Population

• 5.19 million (2020, 23rd most populous state)

Demographics

South Carolina has a diverse population with significant historical roots and growing communities of new residents attracted by climate and economic opportunities.

Ethnic Composition

• White:67.3%
• Black:26.5%
• Hispanic:6.0%
• Asian:1.7%
• Multiracial:1.9%

Languages

• English:93.5%
• Spanish:4.3%
• Other Indo-European:1.2%
• Asian Languages:0.9%
• Other:0.1%

Age Distribution

• Under 18:21.7%
• 18-64:59.8%
• 65+:18.5%

Population Growth

• Annual Rate:1.2% (among fastest growing states)
• Natural Increase:10,000
• Migration:Significant influx from northern states

Economy

South Carolina has a diverse economy with strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and increasingly in technology. The state has actively recruited international business investment.

GDP

• $249.8 billion (2022)

Major Industries

• Manufacturing (Automotive, Aerospace)
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Agriculture
• Healthcare
• Military

Employment Rate

• Employed:97.1%
• Unemployment:2.9%

Major Companies

• BMW Manufacturing
• Boeing
• Michelin
• Volvo Cars
• Sonoco Products

Climate

South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters, and significant precipitation throughout the year. Coastal areas have slightly different conditions than the interior regions.

Coastal Regions

• Avg. Summer:85-90°F
• Avg. Winter:45-60°F
• Rainfall:50-52 inches/year
• Ocean moderates temperature extremes

Midlands

• Avg. Summer:90-95°F
• Avg. Winter:40-55°F
• Rainfall:44-48 inches/year
• More temperature variation than coast

Upstate

• Avg. Summer:85-90°F
• Avg. Winter:35-50°F
• Rainfall:45-50 inches/year
• Occasional snow in winter

Weather Patterns

• Hurricane season:June-November
• Thunderstorms common in summer
• Tornado risk, particularly in spring
• Occasional winter ice storms

Visiting South Carolina

South Carolina attracts millions of visitors annually with its historic sites, beautiful beaches, golf courses, and charming towns. Tourism is concentrated along the coast and in historic cities.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring:March-May (mild weather, gardens in bloom)
• Fall:September-November (pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds)
• Summer:June-August (beach season, higher humidity)
• Winter:December-February (mild in lowcountry, quiet season)

Transportation

• Major Airports:Charleston International, Greenville-Spartanburg International, Myrtle Beach International
• Interstates:I-95, I-26, I-85, I-77, I-20
• Amtrak:Service along East Coast corridor
• Port of Charleston (cruise ships)

Accommodation

• Hotels:1,000+
• Beach Rentals:Popular along Grand Strand and barrier islands
• Historic Inns:Particularly in Charleston
• Average Hotel Rate:$150/night (higher in Charleston and beach areas during peak season)

Tourist Information

• Visitor Centers:Located along major highways and in tourist destinations
• Tourism Website:DiscoverSouthCarolina.com
• Info Hotline:1-800-SC-SMILE
• Regional tourism offices throughout the state

Popular Attractions

South Carolina offers diverse attractions from coastal beaches to historic sites and natural areas.

Coastal Destinations

• Myrtle Beach (Grand Strand)
• Hilton Head Island
• Charleston Historic District
• Kiawah Island
• Hunting Island State Park

Historic Sites

• Fort Sumter National Monument
• Historic Charleston
• Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
• Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
• Penn Center (St. Helena Island)

Natural Attractions

• Congaree National Park
• Table Rock State Park
• ACE Basin
• Jocassee Gorges
• Francis Marion National Forest

Popular Cities & Regions

• Charleston
• Greenville
• Columbia
• Beaufort
• Rock Hill

History

South Carolina has a complex and significant history, from Native American settlements through colonial development, the American Revolution, Civil War, and modern era.

Early History

• Indigenous Peoples:Cherokee, Catawba, Yamasee, others
• European Exploration:Spanish (1520s), French (1562)
• English Settlement:Charles Town founded (1670)
• Colonial Development:Rice and indigo plantations

18th-19th Century

• Revolutionary War:Over 200 battles fought in SC
• Statehood:May 23, 1788 (8th state)
• Antebellum Period:Cotton economy, slavery expansion
• Civil War:First state to secede (Dec. 20, 1860), Fort Sumter first battle
• Reconstruction:1865-1877

20th Century

• Segregation Era
• Civil Rights Movement
• Economic Transition:From agricultural to manufacturing
• Hurricane Hugo (1989)
• Tourism & Industrial Development

Recent History

• International Business Investment
• Charleston Church Shooting (2015)
• Major Hurricanes and Flooding Events
• Population Growth from Migration
• Economic Diversification

State Symbols

South Carolina has adopted various official state symbols that represent its cultural heritage, natural resources, and unique identity.

State Animals

• State Animal:

  White-tailed Deer
• State Bird:

  Carolina Wren
• State Wild Game Bird:

  Wild Turkey
• State Fish:

  Striped Bass
• State Insect:

  Carolina Mantid

State Plants

• State Tree:

  Palmetto Tree
• State Flower:

  Yellow Jessamine
• State Wildflower:

  Goldenrod
• State Grass:

  Indian Grass
• State Fruit:

  Peach

Cultural Symbols

• State Dance:

  Shag
• State Music:

  Beach Music
• State Song:

  "Carolina"
• State Beverage:

  Milk
• State Hospitality Beverage:

  Tea

Other Symbols

• State Stone:

  Blue Granite
• State Gem:

  Amethyst
• State Fossil:

  Columbian Mammoth
• State Shell:

  Lettered Olive
• State Reptile:

  Loggerhead Sea Turtle

State Facts

Interesting and unique facts about South Carolina that showcase its distinctive character and contributions.

Geographic Facts

• Highest Point:

  Sassafras Mountain (3,560 ft)
• Lowest Point:

  Atlantic Ocean (sea level)
• Six distinct geographic regions:

  Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Sandhills, Inner Coastal Plain, Outer Coastal Plain, Coastal Zone
• Approximately 187 miles of coastline
• Over 3,000 barrier islands

Records & Rankings

• Largest producer of peaches east of Mississippi River
• Home to oldest landscaped gardens in America (Middleton Place, 1741)
• World's largest collection of outdoor sculpture (Brookgreen Gardens)
• First public museum in America (Charleston Museum, 1773)
• State with most golf holes per capita

Notable Firsts

• First European settlement attempt in North America (1526, San Miguel de Gualdape)
• First free public library (Charleston, 1698)
• First theater building in America (Dock Street Theatre, 1736)
• First golf course in America (Charleston, 1786)
• First municipal college (College of Charleston, 1770)

Unique Features

• Only tea plantation in North America (Charleston Tea Garden)
• Home to one of the nation's few temperate rainforests (Jocassee Gorges)
• Contains ACE Basin (one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on East Coast)
• Location of famous Gullah Geechee culture (Sea Islands)
• State flag features palmetto tree from Revolutionary War fortifications

Government & Politics

South Carolina operates under a republican form of government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The state has traditionally been conservative in its politics.

Governor

• Henry McMaster (as of 2021)

Legislature

• Bicameral:46-member Senate and 124-member House of Representatives

Political Trends

• Predominantly Republican at state level since 1990s

Key Political Issues

• Economic Development
• Education Reform
• Infrastructure
• Coastal Development
• Healthcare Access

Time Zones

South Carolina is located entirely within the Eastern Time Zone.

Standard Time

• Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)

Daylight Saving

• Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4)

Observance

• Follows federal guidelines for Daylight Saving Time
• No areas with differing time zones
• Begins second Sunday in March, ends first Sunday in November

Education

South Carolina provides educational services from pre-K through university level, with recent reform efforts focused on improving educational outcomes.

Higher Education

• University of South Carolina System
• Clemson University
• Medical University of South Carolina
• Technical College System (16 colleges)
• Private colleges and universities

Notable Institutions

• University of South Carolina
• Clemson University
• College of Charleston
• Furman University
• Wofford College

K-12 System

• 79 public school districts
• Approximately 1,250 schools
• Student-to-teacher ratio:15:1
• Charter and magnet school options expanding

Key Educational Initiatives

• Education Lottery Scholarship Program
• Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
• South Carolina Public Charter School District
• STEM education expansion
• Read to Succeed literacy initiative

Culture & Festivals

South Carolina's cultural scene celebrates its diverse heritage through numerous festivals, events, and traditions throughout the year.

Major Festivals

• Spoleto Festival USA (Charleston)
• South Carolina State Fair (Columbia)
• Gullah Festival (Beaufort)
• Carolina Country Music Festival (Myrtle Beach)
• Artisphere (Greenville)

Cultural Celebrations

• Charleston Wine + Food Festival
• South Carolina Festival of Discovery (BBQ festival)
• Sweetgrass Festival (Mount Pleasant)
• South Carolina Jazz Festival
• Charleston Fashion Week

Regional Traditions

• Lowcountry Oyster Roasts
• Shag Dancing at Beach Clubs
• Sweetgrass Basket Weaving
• Benne Wafer Baking
• Penn Center Heritage Days

Seasonal Events

• Christmas in Charleston
• Beach Music Festivals (Summer)
• Fall Harvest Festivals
• Plantation Garden Tours (Spring)
• Holiday Parades of Boats

Sports & Teams

South Carolina has a passionate sports culture centered primarily around college athletics, golf, and recreational water sports.

College Sports

• University of South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)
• Clemson University Tigers (ACC)
• College of Charleston Cougars
• Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
• Furman Paladins

Professional Teams

• Charleston Battery (USL Championship soccer)
• Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL hockey)
• South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL hockey)
• Columbia Fireflies (Minor League baseball)
• Charleston RiverDogs (Minor League baseball)

Golf

• PGA Championship (Kiawah Island, occasional host)
• RBC Heritage (Hilton Head Island, annual PGA event)
• BMW Charity Pro-Am (Greenville)
• Over 360 golf courses statewide
• Numerous golf academies and schools

Notable Sporting Events

• Cooper River Bridge Run
• Carolina Cup (horse racing)
• Palmetto Championship
• Myrtle Beach Marathon
• South Carolina vs. Clemson rivalry game (football)

Cuisine & Local Specialties

South Carolina cuisine reflects diverse influences including African, English, French, and Caribbean, with distinctive regional specialties throughout the state.

Signature Dishes

• Shrimp and Grits
• Lowcountry Boil (Frogmore Stew)
• She-Crab Soup
• Chicken Bog
• Barbecue with Mustard-Based Sauce

Regional Specialties

• Charleston:Oysters, Huguenot Torte
• Lowcountry:Red Rice, Gullah cuisine
• Pee Dee:Chicken Bog, Country Ham
• Midlands:Mustard-based BBQ
• Upstate:Hash and Rice, Pimento Cheese

Agricultural Products

• Peaches
• Watermelons
• Corn
• Tobacco
• Carolina Gold Rice

Beverage Culture

• Sweet Tea
• Moonshine (legal distilleries)
• Craft Beer (growing industry)
• Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka
• Muscadine Wine

Infrastructure

South Carolina's infrastructure supports its growing population, tourism industry, and manufacturing sector.

Transportation

• Interstate Highways:I-95, I-26, I-85, I-77, I-20
• Port of Charleston (one of busiest container ports in US)
• Major airports in Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach
• Inland port facility in Greer
• Rail transportation (CSX, Norfolk Southern, Amtrak)

Urban Systems

• Public transportation in major cities
• CARTA (Charleston)
• Greenlink (Greenville)
• COMET (Columbia)
• Water taxi services in coastal cities

Energy Infrastructure

• Nuclear power plants (generating over 50% of electricity)
• Natural gas facilities
• Growing solar energy sector
• Hydroelectric dams
• Electric cooperatives serving rural areas

Water & Environmental

• Extensive reservoir system
• Municipal water systems
• Beach renourishment projects
• Flood control systems
• Hurricane protection infrastructure

Notable Historical Figures

Many influential individuals are associated with South Carolina's history, from Revolutionary War heroes to civil rights leaders.

Political Figures

• John C. Calhoun (Vice President, Senator)
• Charles Pinckney (Constitutional framer)
• Robert Smalls (Civil War hero, Congressman)
• Strom Thurmond (Senator)
• Ernest Hollings (Senator)

Military Leaders

• Francis Marion (Revolutionary War "Swamp Fox")
• Thomas Sumter (Revolutionary War general)
• Wade Hampton (Civil War general, governor)
• William Moultrie (Revolutionary War general)
• Bernard Baruch (Presidential advisor)

Cultural Figures

• Dizzy Gillespie (jazz musician)
• Chubby Checker (musician)
• James Brown (musician, born in SC)
• DuBose Heyward (author, "Porgy and Bess")
• Pat Conroy (author)

Other Notable South Carolinians

• Mary McLeod Bethune (educator, civil rights leader)
• Septima Clark (civil rights activist)
• Jasper Johns (artist)
• Eartha Kitt (actress, singer)
• Vanna White (television personality)

State Government Services

South Carolina provides various services to its residents through state agencies and departments.

Health & Human Services

• Department of Health and Environmental Control
• Department of Health and Human Services (Medicaid)
• Department of Mental Health
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

Economic & Employment

• Department of Commerce
• Department of Employment and Workforce
• Department of Revenue
• Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
• Department of Agriculture

Safety & Justice

• State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
• Department of Public Safety
• Department of Corrections
• Department of Juvenile Justice
• Emergency Management Division

Education & Culture

• Department of Education
• Commission on Higher Education
• State Library
• Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
• Arts Commission

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Historical documents and sites reflect South Carolina's rich history from colonial era through the present.

Founding Documents

• South Carolina Constitution (current version adopted 1895)
• South Carolina Declaration of Secession (1860)
• Ordinance of Nullification (1832)
• Colonial Charters
• Revolutionary War documents

Historic Sites

• Charleston Historic District
• Fort Sumter National Monument
• Penn Center (St. Helena Island)
• Historic Plantations (Middleton Place, Magnolia, Boone Hall, others)
• South Carolina State House

Archival Repositories

• South Carolina Department of Archives and History
• South Caroliniana Library (USC)
• Charleston Library Society
• Avery Research Center for African American History
• County historical societies and archives

Cultural Heritage Sites

• Drayton Hall (oldest unrestored plantation house)
• Old Slave Mart Museum
• Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
• Historic Charleston City Market
• Santa Elena Site (Parris Island)

Environmental Initiatives

South Carolina manages diverse ecosystems through various conservation and sustainability programs.

Conservation Programs

• South Carolina Conservation Bank
• Heritage Trust Program
• Focus Area Task Forces (wildlife conservation)
• Beach Management Act implementations
• ACE Basin Project (one of largest estuarine preserves)

Land Management

• Francis Marion National Forest
• Sumter National Forest
• State Parks system (47 parks)
• Wildlife Management Areas
• Coastal Reserve Program

Water Protection

• Clean Water State Revolving Fund
• Coastal Zone Management Program
• Adopt-a-Stream initiatives
• Watershed planning programs
• Beach water quality monitoring

Environmental Education

• Discover Carolina program (schools)
• Master Naturalist program
• Environmental education centers
• South Carolina Aquarium conservation programs
• Beach/River Sweep volunteer cleanups

Major Events & Conferences

South Carolina hosts significant gatherings in fields ranging from business and technology to culture and tourism.

Business & Industry

• South Carolina International Auto Show
• South Carolina Manufacturing Conference and Exposition
• Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel
• South Carolina Aerospace Conference & Expo
• Charleston Defense Contractors Association Summit

Cultural Events

• Spoleto Festival USA
• Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
• South Carolina Book Festival
• Charleston Food + Wine Festival
• Gullah Festival

Educational Conferences

• South Carolina EdTech Conference
• South Carolina Association of School Administrators Conference
• South Carolina Science Council Conference
• South Carolina Historical Association Annual Meeting
• Colonial Connections Conference

Tourism Industry

• Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel
• South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Conference
• South Carolina Hospitality Association events
• South Carolina Festival & Event Association Conference
• Charleston Visitor Industry Briefings