Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About South Carolina

1. State Motto: "Dum Spiro Spero" (While I Breathe, I Hope).
2. State Bird: Carolina Wren.
3. State Flower: Yellow Jessamine.
4. South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union in 1860, leading to the Civil War.
5. Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor was the site of the first shots of the Civil War.
6. Myrtle Beach is known as the "Golf Capital of the World," with over 100 golf courses.
7. The Angel Oak Tree near Charleston is estimated to be over 400-500 years old.
8. South Carolina is famous for its sweet tea, a staple of southern culture.
9. Hilton Head Island is one of the top destinations for beach vacations in the U.S.
10. Congaree National Park is one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S.

Geography of South Carolina

South Carolina’s geography features coastal plains, rolling hills, and mountain ranges:

• Highest Point: Sassafras Mountain (3,560 feet).
• Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean (sea level).
• Major Rivers: Savannah River, Edisto River, and Pee Dee River.

A Brief History of South Carolina

South Carolina has a rich and complex history, from its colonial beginnings to its role in the Civil War:

• Founded in 1670, South Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies.
• Charleston became a major port city and cultural hub during the colonial era.
• South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union in 1860, sparking the Civil War.
• The state has preserved many historic sites, including plantations, forts, and battlefields.

Top 20 Things to Do in South Carolina

1. Explore the Charleston Historic District.
2. Relax on Myrtle Beach’s sandy shores.
3. Visit Hilton Head Island for outdoor activities.
4. Hike through Congaree National Park.
5. Tour Fort Sumter National Monument.
6. Stroll through Brookgreen Gardens.
7. Take photos at Rainbow Row in Charleston.
8. Enjoy the beaches at Huntington Beach State Park.
9. Learn naval history at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
10. Hike in Caesars Head State Park.
11. Tour Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
12. Explore Edisto Beach State Park.
13. Visit the South Carolina State Museum.
14. See the Angel Oak Tree near Charleston.
15. Step back in time at Drayton Hall.
16. Climb Table Rock State Park’s trails.
17. Take a tour of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Factory.
18. Learn at the Old Slave Mart Museum in Charleston.
19. Enjoy water activities at Lake Murray.
20. Visit the Charleston Tea Garden.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about South Carolina, visit the state’s official tourism site: Discover South Carolina