South Carolina History
Although the Spanish and the French attempted to settle South Carolina in the early to mid 1500’s, however, it was not until 1670 that the English arrived at Albemarle Point and established Charles Town. South Carolina continues to grow and thrive; and, during the time of the American Revolution, it was the site of nearly 200 battles and skirmishes. South Carolina was also the first state to secede from the Union (December 20, 1860), and it is where the first battle of the Civil War took place. Confederate forces seized Fort Sumter, and retained their holding until 1865. A difficult reconstruction period followed before South Carolina was readmitted to the Union in 1868.
In the 100+ years since re-admittance, South Carolina has emerged as a leader in the production of tobacco, cotton, pine lumber, corn, beef cattle, hogs, and many other agricultural products. Its industries include banking, real estate, tourism, and wholesale and retail trade.
It is the birthplace of recognized leaders like Senator Strom Thurmond, Nobel Prize Winner Charles Towne, writer Pat Conroy, baseball greats Lawrence Doby and Jim Rice, boxer Joe Frazier, tennis star Althea Gibson and actress Andie MacDowell.
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