South Carolina

South Carolina's love for its tea party is second only to its love for pepperoni, sauteed in a lowcountry barbecue and stuffed in a handmade cannoli.
Drew Magary in Deadspin
Located in the southeastern United States, South Carolina has a rich and complex history. Explored by the Spanish in the 16th century, the area became an English colony in 1670, developing a plantation economy based on rice and indigo cultivation, driven by enslaved labor. It played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, hosting key battles such as the Siege of Charleston. The state's ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788 marked its admission to the Union. South Carolina's economy relied heavily on agriculture, and its contentious relationship with the federal government led to the Nullification Crisis in the early 19th century. The state's pivotal role in the Civil War was exemplified by the first shots fired at Fort Sumter in 1861. After Reconstruction, South Carolina continued to grapple with racial tensions and civil rights struggles. Today, it boasts a diverse cultural heritage, from its Gullah Geechee traditions to its modern economic development.
Brief timeline of the history of the state of South Carolina:

  • 1521: Spanish explorer Francisco Gordillo becomes the first recorded European to land on the coast of present-day South Carolina.
  • 1663: King Charles II grants a land charter to eight English nobles, establishing the Province of Carolina, which includes present-day South Carolina.
  • 1670: English settlers arrive and establish the first permanent European settlement in South Carolina, known as Charles Town (later Charleston).
  • 1719: The colonists in South Carolina rebel against the proprietary rule and establish a royal colony, taking control of the government.
  • 1739-1740: The Stono Rebellion, a significant slave rebellion, occurs in South Carolina, leading to stricter slave codes and regulations.
  • 1776: South Carolina becomes the first state to declare independence from Great Britain, and the Palmetto Regiment plays a vital role in the American Revolution.
  • 1788: South Carolina becomes the eighth state to ratify the United States Constitution, officially joining the Union.
  • Early 19th century: The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney leads to the rapid expansion of cotton cultivation in South Carolina, making it a center of the Southern cotton economy.
  • 1832: The Nullification Crisis occurs in South Carolina, with the state asserting the right to nullify federal tariffs, leading to a standoff with the federal government.
  • 1860: South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the United States, precipitating the American Civil War.
  • 1861-1865: South Carolina plays a significant role in the Civil War, with the first shots of the war fired upon Union-held Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.
  • Late 19th century: South Carolina experiences economic hardships during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, but gradually recovers and diversifies its economy.
  • 1954: The landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education challenges racial segregation in public schools, impacting South Carolina's educational system.
  • 1960s: The civil rights movement gains momentum in South Carolina, with protests, sit-ins, and other efforts challenging racial segregation and advocating for equal rights.