South Carolina

South Carolina

Flag of South Carolina

Admittance Order: 8th

Admitted to US: May 23, 1788 (237 years ago)

Governor: Henry McMaster (R)

Lt. Governor: Pamela Evette (R)

Senators: Lindsey Graham (R) Tim Scott (R)

Representatives: 6 Republicans 1 Democrat

Official State website

Capital: Columbia

Largest city: Charleston

Resource Guide: RL-SC

This article contains information that may change due to political elections and evolving sexual norms. {This article last updated:05/14/2025)

South Carolina is a state in the coastal Southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered to the north by North Carolina, to the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the southwest by Georgia across the Savannah River. South Carolina ranks as the 40th most extensive and the 23rd most populous U.S. state, with a recorded population of 5,124,712 according to the 2020 census. In 2019, its GDP was $213.45 billion. South Carolina consists of 46 counties. The capital is Columbia, which had a population of 137,300 in 2020, while its largest city is Charleston, with a 2020 population of 150,277. The Greenville–Spartanburg-Anderson metropolitan area is the most populous in the state, boasting a 2020 population estimate of 1,455,892.

South Carolina was named in honor of King Charles I of England, who first formed the English colony, with Carolus being Latin for "Charles." In 1712, the Province of South Carolina was established. As one of the original Thirteen Colonies, South Carolina became a royal colony in 1719. During the American Revolutionary War, it was the site of significant activity among the American colonies, with more than 200 battles and skirmishes fought within the state. South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on May 23, 1788. A slave state, it was the first to vote in favor of secession from the Union on December 20, 1860. After the American Civil War, the state was readmitted into the United States on July 9, 1868. During the early to mid-20th century, the state began to experience economic progress as numerous textile mills and factories were established. The civil rights movement of the mid-20th century played a crucial role in ending segregation and legal discrimination policies within the state. Economic diversification in South Carolina continued to gain momentum during and in the decades following World War II. In the early 21st century, South Carolina's economy is based on industries such as aerospace, agribusiness, automotive manufacturing, and tourism.

South Carolina features three main geographic regions from east to west: the Atlantic coastal plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains located in the northwestern corner of Upstate South Carolina. The state predominantly experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The Upstate areas exhibit a subtropical highland climate. The eastern coastal plain of South Carolina is home to numerous salt marshes and estuaries. Additionally, the southeastern Lowcountry encompasses parts of the Sea Islands, a chain of barrier islands along the Atlantic Ocean.

Entomology

South Carolina was named in honor of King Charles I of England, who first established the English colony, with Carolus being Latin for "Charles." In 1712, the former Province of Carolina split into North and South Carolina. In 1719, South Carolina was officially designated as a royal colony.

Attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community in South Carolina

Attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community in South Carolina are influenced by a complex interplay of legal frameworks, public opinion, and community initiatives.

Legal Protections and Policies

South Carolina lacks comprehensive statewide laws explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, or public accommodations. While the U.S. Supreme Court's 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County extends federal employment protections to LGBTQ+ individuals, state-level protections remain limited. Notably, eight localities—including Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach—have enacted ordinances offering some protections, but these cover only a fraction of the state's population.

Efforts to enhance protections have faced challenges. For instance, a bill aimed at banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and natural hairstyle in employment, housing, and public accommodations has been introduced but has not yet passed. Additionally, South Carolina remains one of the few states without a hate crime law, despite ongoing advocacy.

Public Opinion

Public sentiment in South Carolina shows a gradual shift toward greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights. A 2017 survey indicated that 53% of residents supported same-sex marriage, while 67% favored anti-discrimination laws covering sexual orientation and gender identity. National trends suggest increasing support across political affiliations, with Democrats (89%), independents (78%), and Republicans (62%) endorsing nondiscrimination protections.

Community and Support Networks

Despite legal limitations, South Carolina hosts a vibrant network of organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals:

• Harriet Hancock LGBT Center: Based in Columbia, it offers social and peer support programs, resources, and events to empower the LGBTQ+ community.
• We Are Family: As the state's oldest nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ youth, it provides life-affirming programs focusing on BIPOC and low-income individuals.
• Pride Link: Operating in the Upstate region, it delivers health and wellness services, social support spaces, and promotes LGBTQ+ cultural competence among service providers.

These organizations, among others, play a crucial role in fostering community, providing resources, and advocating for equality.

Challenges and Considerations

LGBTQ+ individuals in South Carolina may encounter challenges, especially in rural areas. For example, a transgender resident in York County reported experiences of misgendering and social discomfort, although overt hostility was limited. Furthermore, legislative efforts have arisen that could impact LGBTQ+ rights, such as bills granting broad "licenses to discriminate" to state agencies and contractors with anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs.

In summary, while South Carolina has made strides in fostering community support and implementing some local protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, significant legal gaps and challenges persist. Ongoing advocacy and public engagement remain essential for advancing equality and safeguarding rights within the state.

History of the South Carolina Flag

The South Carolina State Flag features a deep blue background with a white crescent moon in the top left corner and a white palm tree prominently displayed in the center. The blue color references the uniforms worn by South Carolinian militiamen during the American Revolutionary War. The palm tree is native to South Carolina, also known as the Carolina Palmetto or Swamp Cabbage. This tree species serves as a distinctive emblem of South Carolina, where it thrives due to the state's climate.

The origin of the South Carolina State Flag design is based on the Fort Moultrie Flag. In 1775, the Revolutionary Council of Safety requested Col. William Moultrie to design a flag to be flown by the South Carolina troops. Moultrie chose a deep blue color to coordinate with the uniforms worn by the militias and added a crescent-shaped symbol in the top left corner. The symbol was likely designed to represent a gorget, which is a type of throat armor worn by militiamen during the Revolutionary War.

The Fort Moultrie flag was famously hoisted during the successful colonial defense of Sullivan's Island against the British navy in June 1776. This involved a 10-hour siege in which British ships bombarded Fort Moultrie and the surrounding land on the island. The fort was successfully defended mainly by South Carolinian militiamen, including Moultrie's 2nd South Carolina Regiment, who were able to cause the British forces to withdraw, thus preserving colonial control over Charleston. Famously, the flag was shot down during the battle; however, Sergeant William Jasper ran out into the open, risking his life to grab the flag and raise it again as a symbolic gesture to motivate his forces.

In 1860, after South Carolina seceded from the Union, the General Assembly needed a flag to represent the state. They decided to use Moultrie's design with the addition of a palmetto tree, which represented the fact that Fort Moultrie was built from palmetto tree logs.

South Carolina is located in the southeastern region of the United States. Charleston is the largest city in the state; however, its capital city is Columbia, which lies northwest of Charleston at the geographical center of the state. South Carolina officially separated from North Carolina in 1729. Before that, the colony of Carolina comprised both North Carolina and South Carolina. The name "Carolina" references King Charles II of England, who granted a charter for ownership of the region in 1663 in the name of his father, King Charles I.

South Carolina was the eighth state to ratify the US Constitution in 1778. Like other southeastern states, South Carolina is home to several distinct geographical regions. The Atlantic Coastal Plain is located in the southeastern portion of the state and is known as the Low Country. This is where the state's rivers flow into the Atlantic. The Piedmont region of South Carolina is a central plateau that runs southwest to northeast through the state. Beyond the northwestern edge of the state are the Blue Ridge Mountains, which border South Carolina to the northwest.

External links

Wikipedia article: South Carolina

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