South Carolina Information
South Carolina, abbreviation SC, is a state in the southeastern United States of America. The State borders the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of South Carolina is Columbia. See all cities in South Carolina.
The state’s nickname is “the Palmetto State”, referring to the special palm tree that grows along the coasts (sabal palmetto). South Carolina is a state that is best known for its beautiful nature and adventurous trips.
In the north you will find the Blue Ridge Mountains, with the highest mountain being the Sassafras Mountain. In this area you will find many waterfalls and fast flowing rivers. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, rafting on the Chattooga River is for you. Water sports such as fishing, water skiing, kayaking and canoeing can also be found in the central part of the state. Here you will find Lake Marion and Lake Murray. If you’re more into beach walks, it’s best to travel along the South Carolina coastline. On the beaches you often come across stray turtles and crabs. And if you want luxury in the form of golf courses, five star hotels, et cetera, then you go to the busy Grand of Myrtle beach. For culture it is best to go to Charleston. Here you will find beautiful Victorian and colonial architecture.
Geography
South Carolina is located in the southeastern United States, on the Atlantic Ocean. The state borders North Carolina and Georgia and measures up to 350 kilometers from north to south and 450 kilometers from west to east. The state is roughly in the shape of a triangle. South Carolina is mostly quite flat, except the extreme northwest which is a bit more hilly. Large areas of the state are densely forested, with swamps especially in the center and southeast.
The major rivers are the Savannah River, which forms the border with Georgia, the Santee River, which is formed by the Congaree and Wateree Rivers, and the Great Pee Dee River to the east. The coastline consists of bays and estuaries with wetlands and swamps. Some coastal areas also have beaches, most notably The Grand Strand in the east of the state.
History
Before whites colonized the territory of the present state, the area was mainly populated by native Native American tribes such as the Creek Indians. Around 1521 the area was visited by Spanish explorers and in 1562 the French started colonizing the area. However, real colonization only started around 1670 when the English founded the city of Charleston. The English colony flourished mainly through the fur trade with the Native Americans and the importation of slaves for agriculture.
After the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), South Carolina became one of the most important southern states to defend slavery. South Carolina also played an important role in the American Civil War (1861-1865). The state was the first to secede from the Union in 1860 and suffered a great deal of damage during the war. For example, a Northern army led by General William Sherman almost completely destroyed the capital, Columbia.
After the war, the state slowly recovered. Around 1890 the power of the planter aristocracy was broken by the peasant party. This party brought about some social reform, but was strongly anti-black.
| Abbreviation: | SC |
| Nickname: | Palmetto State |
| Joined the U.S. as the 8th State on: | 23 mei 1788 |
| Capital city: | Columbia |
| Census: | 4.679.230 |
| Surface: | 82.965 km² |
| Geography: | Bordering North Carolina and Georgia |
| Governor: | Henry McMaster |
| state motto: | While I breathe, I hope – Ready in soul and resource |
| California official website: | sc.gov |
