On August 31, National South Carolina Day recognizes The Palmetto State and her unique landscapes, bold personalities, and long history.

Catawbas and Cherokee were some of the first to greet Spanish and French explorers in the 16th century. Their tribes dotted the land with villages. The Englished established the first successful settlement near present-day Charleston. Named Carolina initially after King Charles I, the colony later split into North and South Carolina in 1710. Following in the footsteps of the previous colonies, South Carolina would become the eight state to ratify the constitution.

Though South Carolina may have been more removed from some of the Revolutionary concerns than states like Massachusetts and Connecticut, it hosted some pivotal, if seemingly small battles. They all begin with the hard-fought and devastating loss at Charles Town. What is now known as the Siege of Charleston, is the largest battle to ever take place in the state. Not even Civil War battles compare. While the British claimed the city and some 5,000 prisoners, the course was set for victories to the west at Cowpens and King’s Mountain.

Slavery and the Civil War play a significant role in South Carolina’s complex social, political and economic profile. Much of the beauty of South Carolina is reflected in their soulful music and emotive art expressing the voices of generations.

Harleston Green in Charleston established the first golf club in the United States in 1786.

With 187 miles of Atlantic coastline, South Carolina is more than ideal for a beach getaway. With idyllic oceanfront towns, historical tours, delicious seafood, and golf there is a little bit of adventure for everyone.

Explore More States…

• Alabama
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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNorthCarolinaDay

Explore all of South Carolina’s beauty, culture, and history on August 31. Join us as we celebrate South Carolina’s hospitality, stunning landscapes, and dynamic people.  

Use #NationalSouthCarolinaDay to share on social media.

Notable People

Francis Marion – Revolutionary – (1732 – February 27, 1795)

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Angelina (February 20, 1805 – October 26, 1879) and Sarah Grimke – Activist – (November 26, 1792 – December 23, 1873)

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Kelly Miller – Mathematician – (July 18, 1863 – December 29, 1939)

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Julia Peterkin – Author – (October 31,1880 – August 10, 1961)

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Strom Thurmond – Governor – (December 5, 1902 – June 26, 2003)

Melvin Purvis – FBI Agent – (October 24, 1903 – February 29, 1960)

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William Westmoreland – General – (March 26, 1914 – July 18, 2005)

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James Brown – Musician – (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006 )

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Althea Gibson – Athlete – (August 25, 1927 – September 28, 2003)

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Chubby Checker – Singer – (October 3, 1941-)

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South Carolina Flavor

South Carolinians and southerners in particular like their iced tea. Finding a good sweet tea anywhere else in the country can be a challenge.

Another South Carolina feast is a Beaufort Stew. Also known as a Lowcountry Boil, this simple but flavorful dish combines shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, and potatoes. Once boiled, the entire meal is served on a paper-covered table. Invite the whole family over and dive in for all the deliciousness!

Get one of the ultimate comfort foods in South Carolina. The Palmetto State specializes in baking macaroni and cheese that’s especially comforting and cheesy.

Black-eyed peas served with rice and bacon is transformed into a dish known as Hoppin’ John. In the South, Black-eyed peas are said to bring good luck when eaten on New Year’s Day.

The Southern delicacy of Pimento Cheese finds its way into high-class events or lazy afternoon picnics. It’s referred to as “Carolina caviar” and can be a garnish or a dip.