FACTS ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA & The Grand Strand!

South Carolina State Flag

 

South Carolina State Facts:

Entered Union:   May 23, 1788 (8th State)
Present constitution adopted:   1895

Fun Facts:

State abbreviation/Postal code:   S.C./SC
Nickname:   Palmetto State
Origin of name:   In honor of Charles I of England
Mottoes:   "Animis opibusque parati" (Prepared in mind and resources) and "Dum spiro spero" (While I breathe, I hope)”

State Symbols:

Amphibian:   Spotted Salamander (1999)
Animal:   White-Tailed Deer (1972)
Bird:   Carolina Wren (1948)
Butterfly:   Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (1994)
Dog:   Boykin Spaniel
Duck:   Wood Duck (2009)
Fish:   Striped Bass or Rockfish (1972)
Heritage Horse:   Carolina Marsh Tacky (2010)
Heritage Work Animal:   Mule (2010)
Insect:   Carolina Mantid (1988)
Marine Mammal:   Bottlenose Dolphin (2009)
Migratory Marine Mammal:   Northern Right Whale (2009)
Reptile:   Loggerhead Sea Turtle (1988)
Shell:   Lettered Olive (1984)
Spider:   Carolina Wolf Spider (2000)
Wild Game Bird:   Wild Turkey (1976)
Grass:   Indian Grass (2001)
Flower:   Yellow Jessamine
Fruit:   Peach (1984)
Tree:   Sabal Palmetto (1939)
Wildflower:   Goldenrod 
Fossil:   Columbian Mammoth (2014)
Gemstone:   Amethyst (1969)
Stone:   Blue Granite (1969)
Beverage:   Milk (1984)
Color:   Indigo Blue (2008)
Craft:   Sweetgrass Basket Weaving
Hospitality Beverage:   Sweet Tea (1995)
Snack:   Boiled Peanuts
Dance:  Shag (1984)
American Folk Dance:   Square Dance (1994)
Waltz:   "Richardson Waltz" (2000)
Music:   Spiritual (1999)
Popular Music:   Beach music (2001)

Government:

Capital:   Columbia
State Website:   https://www.mass.gov/
Governor:   Henry McMaster, R (to Jan. 2023)
Lieut. Governor:   Pamela Evette, R (to Jan. 2023)
Secy. of State:   Mark Hammond, R
Treasurer:   Curtis Loftis, R
Atty. General:   Alan Wilson, R
U.S. Representatives:   7
Senators:   Lindsey Graham, R (to Jan. 2021); Tim Scott, R (to Jan. 2023)

Population:

Residents:   South Carolinian
2016 resident population:   4,961,119 (23rd Largest State, 2016)
10 largest cities (2010 est.):   Columbia, 129,272; Charleston , 120,083; North Charleston, 97,471; Rock Hill, 66,154; ; Greenville, 58,409; Sumter, 40,524; Florence 37,056, Spartanburg, 37,013; Goose Creek, 35,938; Aiken, 29,524
Race/Ethnicity:   White (66.2%); Black (27.9%); American Indian (0.4%); Asian (1.3%); Other race (2.5%); Two or more races (1.7%); Hispanic/Latino: (9.6%).
Religion:   Protestant (65%); Unaffiliated (19%); Catholic (10%); Other Christian (3%); Other (3%) 
Sex:   Male (48.6%); Female (51.4%).
Age:   Under 18 (22.0%); 18-64 (60.8%); 65 and over (17.2%). Median Age: 39.1

Economy:

GDP:   219 billion dollars (26th in U.S., 2017)
Unemployment:   3.8% (2017)
Overview:   South Carolina, like most states, has a primarily service-based economy. In recent years, a substantial amount of economic growth in the state has come from an improving industrial base, including the construction of manufacturing plants for major companies like Boeing. The state otherwise maintains a strong agricultural sector, producing goods like tobacco, rice, cotton, and soy, as well as livestock like cattle and chickens. 

Geography:

Land area:   30,109 sq mi. (77,982 sq km)
Geographic center:   In Richland Co., 13 mi. SE of Columbia
Number of counties:   46
Largest county by population and area:   Greenville, 451,225 (2010); Horry, 1,134 sq mi.
State forests:   4
State parks:   47 (80,000+ ac.)

South Carolina State History:

The earliest history of South Carolina is similar to a lot of the Eastern United States; it was populated 13,000 years ago by archaic communities, which went on to follow the same big changes that affected most cultures in the area. By the time of European contact there were 29 nations of native people in South Carolina. The nations of South Carolina mostly fell under two large culture groups, the Eastern Siouan and Cusaboan peoples, though other groups lived in the area. 

Following exploration of the coast in 1521 by Francisco de Gordillo, the Spanish tried unsuccessfully to establish a colony near present-day Georgetown in 1526, and the French also failed to colonize Parris Island near Fort Royal in 1562. Although there was an older charter from 1629, King Charles II of England chartered the colony in 1663 to wealthy aristocrats in exchange for their political support back in England. The colony was named Carolina after King Charles, and it acted as a buffer zone between Spanish territory and the other English colonies. The first English settlement was made in 1670 at Albemarle Point on the Ashley River, but poor conditions drove the settlers to the site of Charleston (originally called Charles Town).

South Carolina, officially separated from North Carolina in 1729. Charleston, despite its size and influence in the colonies, wasn't incorporated until after the Revolution. The city was run by a governor representing the Crown, and the state was a bastion of Loyalism to the British government. It was the scene of extensive military action during the Revolution and again during the Civil War.

In the 1800s, South Carolina played a leading role in Southern hostility to the federal government.  In 1832 this contributed to the Nullification Crisis. In 1861, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union. The Civil War began in 1861 as South Carolina troops fired on federal Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.

After the Confederate loss in the Civil War, South Carolina became the only state with a black majority congress. This saw a brief period of rapidly expanding rights for Black Americans and South Carolina didn't see the levels of violence that plagued Mississippi and Alabama during desegregation. Likewise, South Carolina was relatively swift among former Confederate states to remove the Confederate flag from government buildings after incidents of racial violence. 

In the time since desegregation, South Carolina has converted itself into a popular tourist destination, moving away from the traditional manufacturing and agriculture sectors. 

Historic points of interest include Fort Sumter National Monument, Fort Moultrie, Fort Johnson, and aircraft carrier USS Yorktown in Charleston Harbor; the Middleton, Magnolia, and Cypress Gardens in Charleston; and Cowpens National Battlefield. VIsitors might also be interested in the Hilton Head resorts, and the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden in Columbia.

South Carolina Culture and Interesting Facts:

Myrtle Beach & the Grand Strand:

The Myrtle Beach area, popularly known as the Grand Strand, stretches from Little River down to Pawleys Island.  It is comprised of 14 communities along the South Carolina coast, including Little River, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach. Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach.  The Grand Strand is home to world class golf, 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, exciting entertainment, family attractions, fine dining and true Southern hospitality. Myrtle Beach is likely South Carolina's biggest tourist attraction, as the center of the Grand Strand string of beaches. The beaches collectively draw over 20 million visitors every year—that's nearly three times the population of South Carolina—and Myrtle Beach specifically hosts a lot of famous attractions. The recently opened boardwalk, the nearby Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and the abundant shopping have led Myrtle Beach to receive regular national acclaim. That's a pretty big achievement, considering the town used to be almost entirely off the map. The idea to develop the beach into a tourist area only started in the early 1900s, and the city of Myrtle Beach was only incorporated in the 1950s. Myrtle Beach is considered the "jewel" of South Carolina and is nestled along the mid-Atlantic region of the eastern United States.

Charleston, South Carolina:

The city of Charleston is one of the most historically important cities in the United States. It was one of the first major cities in the country, founded back in 1680, and was at one point the fifth largest city in the nation. For rather unsavory reasons, the city continued to have an outsize influence on the country even as the rest of the country grew and expanded; Charleston was the largest ports in the United States, sometimes second to Savannah, Georgia. The Civil War started in Charleston when secessionists attacked Fort Sumter. Today the city is famous for much nicer reasons, including its lovely and well-preserved architecture, its food culture, and its healthy arts scene. The city has received international attention and praise.

South Carolina Plantations:

The plantations of South Carolina are another popular tourist destination. The plantations were home to the aristocratic elite, who built large country mansions. These former mansions embody a lot of important history in the South. They offer a glimpse into the historic culture of the area including the artistic tastes and values of the aristogratic elite and the economic realities that shaped American history. Some plantations are just catered to tourists interested in the design, but many of the best plantation museums allow visitors to dive into the deep history. 

Gullah Culture in the Lowcountry:

Gullah culture refers to the unique culture of Black people living in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia. Gullah people are most culturally distinct from other Black Americans due to their use of their own creole language, also called Gullah, which heavily draws on different West and Central African languages. South Carolina was a Black-majority state, and more than anywhere else Gullah culture has heavily influenced the whole of South Carolina. The unique style of Gullah art and cuisine makes up some of South Carolina's most powerful cultural legacy. One particular craft, Sweetgrass basket weaving, was recognized as a state symbol. 

 

The Grand Strand:

 

The Grand Strand: The Myrtle Beach area, popularly known as the Grand Strand, stretches from Little River down to Pawleys Island.  The Grand Strand is comprised of 14 communities along the South Carolina coast, including Little River, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach. Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach.  The Grand Strand is home to world class golf, 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, exciting entertainment, family attractions, fine dining and true Southern hospitality. Myrtle Beach is likely South Carolina's biggest tourist attraction, as the center of the Grand Strand string of beaches. The beaches collectively draw over 20 million visitors every year—that's nearly three times the population of South Carolina—and Myrtle Beach specifically hosts a lot of famous attractions. The recently opened boardwalk, the nearby Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and the abundant shopping have led Myrtle Beach to receive regular national acclaim. That's a pretty big achievement, considering the town used to be almost entirely off the map. The idea to develop the beach into a tourist area only started in the early 1900s, and the city of Myrtle Beach was only incorporated in the 1950s. 

 

Fun Fact:   Myrtle Beach is considered the "jewel" of South Carolina and is nestled along the mid-Atlantic region of the eastern United States.

 

Temperature:   The Myrtle Beach area enjoys a mild annual average temperature of 73 degrees F and an average of 215 beautiful sunny days each year!

 

Population:   Approximately 300,000 people reside along the Grand Strand

 

Lodging:  There are approximately 450 hotels and 100,000 accommodation units in the Myrtle Beach area. From elegant golf and seaside resorts, to rustic cottages, bed & breakfasts and mom-and-pop motels, the Myrtle Beach area offers accommodations for every taste and appeals to every type of traveler. There are also several campgrounds located between Myrtle Beach and the South Strand, many of which are oceanfront or just steps away from the beach. In addition, there are a number of beach homes and condos available for rent, thereby giving vacationing families a true home away from home.

 

Dining:   There are approximately 2,000 full-service restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area, and it’s no surprise that seafood is one of the primary cuisines. Murrells Inlet is nicknamed “the seafood capital of South Carolina” and Calabash-style restaurants are popular in the Northern Strand as well as Carolina/Lowcountry cuisine. Visitors will also find a range of other dishes to satisfy their appetites including steak, ribs, barbecue, home-style cooking, international fare and regional specialties.

 

Golf:  The Myrtle Beach area boasts approximately 100 championship golf courses and more than 50 miniature golf courses, making it a premiere destination for all golf enthusiasts. There are approximately 3.2 million rounds of golf played annually in the Myrtle Beach area.

 

Attractions:  The beach is certainly the Myrtle Beach area’s No.1 attraction, but the fun doesn’t end with surf and sand. The Grand Strand offers a wide range of unique attractions and exciting entertainment options, from shopping, dining, water sports and theme parks, to live entertainment theaters, nightclubs and celebrity concerts. The Myrtle Beach area boasts several live theatres with a variety of entertainment.

 

Retail:  The Grand Strand shopping complexes are destinations within themselves, including more than 200 outlet stores. Visitors can stroll along boardwalk promenades on warm evenings, venture in and out of hundreds of unique specialty stores and dine in exceptional restaurants along the way.

 

Meetings/Groups:   With over 60 miles of breathtaking beachfront, more than 100 golf courses, 100,000 accommodation units, a modern convention center with 250,000-square-feet of meeting space and an adjoining business-class hotel make the Myrtle Beach area an ideal locale for meetings and group gatherings. Plus, the Myrtle Beach Sports Center offers a great venue for various indoor sporting events.

 

Family Reunions:     The Myrtle Beach area is an ideal location for multi-generational travel or family reunions. The Grand Strand offers attractions certain to please every age group. Beachfront hotels, timeshares and cottages offer spacious options that will accommodate families of all sizes.

 

Romance:   Filled with romance, dazzling sunsets painting the horizon and palmetto trees swaying in the gentle breezes, the Myrtle Beach area offers a picturesque location for a romantic getaway or beach wedding. The serene beach setting also makes the Grand Strand an ideal spot for newlyweds to spend a romantic and fun honeymoon.

 

Getting Here:

 

By Plane:   

 

Located just inland from the Atlantic Ocean, the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) provides easy, non-stop and connecting flights to more than 350 destinations worldwide. Airlines servicing MYR include Allegiant Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Elite Airways, Frontier Airlines, Porter Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways.

Non-stop flights are available most of the year from Myrtle Beach to Allentown, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, WV, Charlotte, Chicago, Clarksburg, WV, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Wayne, Harrisburg, Hartford, Houston, Huntington, WV, Indianapolis, Kansas City, MO, Latrobe, Lexington, Long Island, Louisville, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York (LaGuardia), Newark, Niagara Falls, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Plattsburg, Providence, St. Louis, Syracuse, Toronto, Trenton, and Washington D.C.

Several regional airports that serve the Myrtle Beach area include: Conway-Horry County Airport (HWY); Grand Strand Airport-Ramp 66 (CRE); Loris-Twin Cities Airport (5J9).

 

By Car:

 

U.S. routes 17, 501 and S.C. 9 provide direct access to the Grand Strand from:

 

Interstate Highways 95 and 20. The S.C. 22 (Veterans Highway) offers an additional route from U.S. 501 to U.S. 17 on the north end of the Strand. Also completed is the Carolina Bays Parkway (S.C. 31), which runs from S.C. 9 to U.S. 501 and S.C. 544 and ultimately will extend to U.S. 17 south of Myrtle Beach. And in the works, a proposed Interstate 73 corridor would create more of a direct route for visitors to the Grand Strand from states throughout the upper mid-west and north east.