South Carolina is the 40^th Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 30,111 sq mi and water area of 1,896 sq mi. It acquired statehood on May 23, 1788. South Carolina is the 8^th state of the 50 United States of America. The region was originally named Carolana, derived from the Latin form of Charles, in reference to the British monarch Charles. South Carolina is nicknamed The Palmetto State. The palmetto, abundant in coastal areas, is the state tree.

Geography of South Carolina

Capital City: Columbia
Population & Density: As per 2004 census estimate, the population is above 4.2 million and its growing everyday. Population density is 133.2 persons per sq mi.
Largest cities: Columbia, Charleston, North Charleston, Greenville, Rock Hill, Mount Pleasant, Spartanburg, Sumter, Hilton Head Island, Florence.
Neighbor States: Georgia, North Carolina.
Natural Treasures: Gem - The Amethyst.

State Facts:

South Carolina Motto: Prepared in mind and resources
State Symbols: Bird - Carolina Wren, Animal - Whitetail Deer, Fish - Striped Bass, Flower - Carolina Jessamine, Tree - Palmetto, Song "Carolina" written by Henry Timrod and "South Carolina on My Mind" created, sung and recorded by Hank Martin and Buzz Arledge.

Economy of South Carolina

Personal income per Capita - $18,795 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Tobacco, Poultry, Cattle, Dairy Products, Soybeans, Hogs.
Industry - Textile Goods, Chemical Products, Paper Products, Machinery, Tourism.

History of South Carolina

Industrial growth helped South Carolina's economy during the late 1800s. The textile industry became its leading business. Boll weevils ruined cotton crops during the 1920s. Although cotton remained the largest crop, farmers began planting tobacco, soybeans, wheat, and fruits. After the U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled segregation in public schools unconstitutional in 1954, South Carolina integrated schools. Blacks now voted in large numbers and several were elected to serve in the government. By the 1970s, most segregation had ended in South Carolina. Recently, industrial growth continues as businesses come to South Carolina internationally. State officials are concerned about the growing air and water pollution problems. South Carolina continues to be one of the fastest growing states in the South.

Asked by the Revolutionary Council of Safety in the fall of 1775 to design a flag for the use of South Carolina troops, Col. William Moultrie chose a blue 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 was added later to represent Moultrie's heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan's Island against the attack of the British fleet on June 28, 1776.

Famous people of South Carolina

Mark Clark (1896-1984) U.S. Army general that led Allied troops during World War II, president of the Citadel.He lived in Charleston.
Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) Trumpet player who developed the bebop jazz style during the 1940s, was born in Cheraw.
Jesse Jackson (1941-) Civil rights leader, he was born in Greenville.
Joe Frazier (1944-) 1964 Olympic heavyweight champion. He was heavyweight champion from 1970-1973, was born in Beaufort.
Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) the 7th U.S. president, he was born in the Waxhaws area.

Interesting Facts about South Carolina

• The first engagement of the American Civil War occurred at Fort Sumter in 1861.
• South Carolina grows more peaches than any other state except California.
• South Carolina was first settled by the Spanish in 1566 and later became an English colony.
• The first American library house in a separate building was constructed in 1840 at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.
• Stretching 60 miles from Little River to Georgetown, South Carolina's Grand Strand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.