State of South Carolina
Nicknames: The Palmetto State
Motto(s): Dum spiro spero (While I breathe, I hope), Animis opibusque parati (Ready in soul and resource)
Date of Statehood: May 23, 1788 (8th state)
State Song: “Carolina” by Henry Timrod & “South Carolina On My Mind” by Hank Martin and Buzz Arledge
South Carolina Flag History
The flag of South Carolina, adopted on January 28, 1861, carries the history and pride of the state. The flag’s design originated during the Revolutionary War when Colonel William Moultrie was asked to create a flag for the South Carolina troops. He chose a blue, which matched their uniforms, and a crescent to replicate the silver emblem worn on their caps. The Palmetto tree was added later to commemorate Moultrie’s defense of Sullivan’s Island; the palmetto logs had helped absorb the impact of British cannonballs.
The elements of the flag symbolize bravery (the crescent), preparedness (the color blue), and resilience (the Palmetto tree). The flag is a reminder of the state’s fight for independence and its rich history, symbolizing the spirit and strength of South Carolinians.
South Carolina Quick Facts
Capital City: Columbia
Abbreviation: SC
Population: Approximately 5.1 million
Region: Southeast
Origin of State Name: Named in honor of Charles I of England
Sports Teams: No major professional sports teams, significant presence in college sports
Bordering States: North Carolina, Georgia
Area Codes: 803, 843, 864
Highest Point: Sassafras Mountain at 3,560 feet (1,085 meters)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean
Geography of South Carolina
Area: 32,020 square miles (82,933 square kilometers), 40th largest
Land: 30,060 square miles (77,857 square kilometers), 40th largest
Water: 1,960 square miles (5,077 square kilometers), 36th largest
Coastline: 187 miles (301 kilometers)
Shoreline: 2,876 miles (4,628 kilometers), including the coastline and shores of rivers and lakes
Largest Cities:
- Charleston
- Columbia
- North Charleston
- Mount Pleasant
- Rock Hill
- Greenville
- Summerville
- Goose Creek
- Hilton Head Island
- Sumter
- Florence
- Spartanburg
- Myrtle Beach
- Aiken
- Anderson
National Parks:
- Congaree National Park
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
- Cowpens National Battlefield
- Kings Mountain National Military Park
South Carolina State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Carolina Wren
State Animal: White-tailed Deer
State Amphibian: Spotted Salamander
State Butterfly: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
State Fish: Striped Bass
State Flower: Yellow Jessamine
State Horse Breed: Carolina Marsh Tacky
State Insect: Carolina Mantid
State Mammal: White-tailed Deer
State Reptile: Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Peach
State Gemstone: Amethyst
State Soil: None
State Tree: Sabal Palmetto
State Quarter: Issued in 2000 featuring the Carolina Wren, Yellow Jessamine, and the Sabal Palmetto
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: Indigo Blue and White
State Dance: The Shag
State Food: Barbecue
State Fossil: Columbian Mammoth
State Mineral: Amethyst
State Rock: Blue Granite