Welcome to the Palmetto State, where the tea is sweet, the shrimp is fresh, and the history is rich. South Carolina is a state full of surprises and fascinating tales, from the first battle of the Civil War to the birthplace of barbecue sauce. Whether you’re a fan of sports, history, or just quirky trivia, there’s something for everyone in South Carolina. So, grab a glass of sweet tea and get ready to discover 20 amazing South Carolina facts that will make you say, “Well, I’ll be darned!”
1-5 Facts About South Carolina
1. South Carolina was named after King Charles I of England. This is because “Carolus” is the Latin word for Charles.
2. With an area of 32,020 square miles (82,932 square kilometers), South Carolina ranks as the 11th smallest state in the US.
3. If South Carolina were a country, its size would be comparable to that of the United Arab Emirates or Austria.
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4. Boasting a population of 5.19 million, South Carolina ranks as the 23rd most populous state in the US. It has a slightly larger population than Alabama.
5. Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina, a vibrant and bustling city that serves as the heart of the state.
6-10 Facts About South Carolina
6. South Carolina has not one, but two state mottos! The first is “Animis Opibusque Parati,” which translates to “Prepared in Mind and Resources.” The second is “Dum Spiro Spero,” which means “While I Breathe, I Hope.”
7. Locals believe that drinking water from Catfish Creek in South Carolina will make you fall in love with the place so deeply that you won’t want to leave.
8. South Carolina is a popular destination, ranking as the 7th most visited state in the US. Tourists flock to the state to enjoy its lush forests, sandy beaches, bountiful fishing opportunities, pristine golf courses, and beautiful gardens.
9. Myrtle Beach, a coastal city situated along The Grand Strand, a 60-mile (97-kilometer) stretch of beach, attracts a staggering 20 million visitors per year, making it one of the most sought-after beaches in the country.
10. South Carolina has the highest concentration of Baha’i followers in the United States, with approximately 18,000 practitioners of the faith residing in the state.
11-15 Facts About South Carolina
11. The state has produced a long list of famous individuals, including civil rights activist Septima Clark, music legends James Brown and Chubby Checker, basketball superstar Kevin Garnett, comedians Chris Rock and Mary-Louise Parker, and the late actor Chadwick Boseman.
12. Some of the most notable films shot in the state include “The Notebook,” “Forrest Gump,” “The Patriot,” and “Sleeping with the Enemy,” among others.
13. Unfortunately, South Carolina also ranks high on the list of the most obese states, coming in at number 10.
14. South Carolina has some pretty peculiar laws on the books, such as banning the use of yo-yos or dynamite while fishing. It’s probably safe to say that traditional fishing gear is the way to go in this state.
15. If you were hoping to buy or sell electric eels in South Carolina, think again. It’s technically against the law, so you’ll have to find another state to fulfill your electric eel needs.
16-20 Facts About South Carolina
16. Fortune tellers are required by law to obtain a special permit from the state of South Carolina. So, if you’re planning on setting up shop as a psychic, make sure you have all the proper paperwork in order.
17. It may seem obvious, but it’s worth noting that keeping horses in bathtubs is against the law in South Carolina.
18. If railroad companies scare horses in South Carolina, they may be held liable.
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19. In South Carolina, there are strict laws surrounding Sunday sales. The only thing that can be sold on Sundays is light bulbs.
20. Dancing in public is technically against the law in Lancaster, South Carolina. So, if you feel like busting a move, make sure to do it in the privacy of your own home.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 South Carolina Fun Facts.
Byee