South Carolina

South Carolina is a state in the southeastern United States. It has beautiful beaches, historic cities, and warm weather most of the year. Charleston is one of the oldest and most charming cities in America. South Carolina is called the Palmetto State after its state tree.

Land and People

About 5 million people live in South Carolina. The capital is Columbia, and the largest city is Charleston. The coast has sandy beaches and barrier islands. Inland, the land rises to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest corner.

Culture and Fun Facts

Charleston is known for its colorful old houses and delicious southern food like shrimp and grits. Myrtle Beach is a popular vacation spot with miles of sandy shore. South Carolina was the first state to leave the Union before the Civil War. The state bird is the Carolina wren.

Fun Facts

• The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor in 1861.
• South Carolina grows more peaches than any state except California and New Jersey.
• Myrtle Beach attracts about 20 million visitors every year.

Did You Know?

The palmetto tree on South Carolina's flag represents a fort made of palmetto logs that helped defend Charleston during the Revolutionary War. Cannonballs bounced off the spongy wood.