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On this day – South Carolina became our 8th state
May 23, 2023
On May 23, 1788, South Carolina ratified the Constitution, making it our 8th state.
Did you know? South Carolina hosted more battles during the Revolutionary War than any other state (!) Its moniker, “The Palmetto State” refers to the state tree, the sabal palmetto, which was particularly prized during the war for building forts. The softness of the wood helped absorb the impact of cannonballs.
What’s in a name? Like its neighbor North Carolina, South Carolina was named after the English king, Charles II. Early settlers received the land grant during his reign.
A South Carolina Coast Scene, Xanthus Smith, 1866
-Written by Anna Zemaitaitis, Communications and Design Officer
