If you know much of anything about the Palmetto State, you’re well-aware of how much history in South Carolina exists. Thanks to a few diligent folks and organizations from all around the state, there’s a hearty historical digital archive of images that document the history of our great state. Today, it can be fascinating to pick up an old photo of South Carolina and try to picture what it was like at the time depicted. It’s impossible to imagine how different life was back then. Looking at old pictures of Charleston, SC or old pictures of Greenville, SC is a great way to spend some time. We’ve gathered up a few early photos of South Carolina that are quite interesting. Check these out:

1. Spartanburg (1910): This shot from Spartanburg shows overhead wires and cable cars lining the street. The trolleys here were quite popular for several decades, but the street cars were replaced by buses in 1935.
Facebook/Spartanburg County Public Libraries (Cofield Collection)
2. Beaufort (1862): This city's street is right on the water's edge.
Flickr/Snapshots of the Past
3. Beaufort (1862): In this shot, soldiers are erecting a pontoon bridge (floating bridge) across the Port Royal Bridge.
Flickr/Snapshots of the Past
4. Beaufort (1862): This photo is from shortly after the area was occupied by Union forces. It shows cotton being prepared for the gin on John Joyner Smith's plantation. Smith's plantation, Old Fort Plantation, spanned more than 700 acres and was one of the region's most prolific producers.
Wikimedia/Timothy H. O'Sullivan - Library of Congress/public domain
5. Morris Island (1863): This scene shows soldiers at an encampment on Morris Island during the Civil War.
Flickr/Snapshots of the Past
6. Morris Island (1863): Here's another unidentified military camp at Morris Island.
Flickr/Snapshots of the Past
7. Morris Island (1863): Men in uniform line the beach both on horseback and on foot in this Civil War shot.
Flickr/Snapshots of the Past
8. Charleston (1865): All Confederate forces fled Charleston in 1865. This photo is from the flag-raising ceremony at Fort Sumter that occurred after the city was captured.
Flickr/Snapshots of the Past
9. Charleston (1886): Earthquakes in South Carolina are far from a common occurrence. The last major earthquake to hit Charleston occurred in 1886. This photo shows earthquake damage to what was then Roper Hospital.
USC/South Caroliniania Library Collections/ public domain

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10. Charleston (c. 1880-1895): This old picture of Charleston, SC shows the Palace Shaving Saloon and an auctioneer's office on Broad Street. This area is now home to restaurants and bars.
USC/South Carolina Library Collections/ George LaGrange Cook Collection / public domain
11. Columbia (1865): This shot of ruins from a Civil War battle was taken from the State House.
Wikipedia/George N. Barnard (1819-1902), U.S. Army
12. Columbia (c. 1900): This old market was built sometime around 1865. It was razed in 1913.
Flickr/Richland Library (Security Federal Savings and Loan Association)
13. Georgetown (date unknown): Front Street is alive and full of thriving businesses.
Facebook/Georgetown County Digital Library
14. Georgetown (1900): This view from the water shows off the clock tower.
Facebook/Georgetown County Digital Library
15. Georgetown (1900): This view of Screven Street shows the old courthouse on the left.
Facebook/Georgetown County Digital Library
16. The Cooper River (date unknown): A group of women and children are taking the ferry across the Cooper River headed to church in Berkeley County.
USC/South Carolina Library Collections/ Berkeley County Photograph Collection / public domain
17. Greenville (1917): Camp Sevier is filled with tents during World War I. The 30th Infantry trained here.
J.R. Penden/Library of Congress
18. Aiken (1900): This huckster is traveling Aiken selling his wares.
Detroit Publishing Co./Library of Congress

Had you ever seen any of these old photos of South Carolina? It’s so neat to see how things have changed! We’d love to hear about your reactions to these shots in the comments – does anything look familiar?

If you’re interested in seeing more old pictures of Greenville, SC and other Palmetto State cities, check out these photos of South Carolina from the Great Depression.

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Photos of South Carolina

Lisa Sammons | May 11, 2023

What are some of the towns with the most history in South Carolina?

There's certainly no shortage of historical towns in South Carolina. Here are a few of the best:

  • Charleston is the oldest town in South Carolina.
  • Beaufort is a beautiful coastal town considered one of the best vacations in America.
  • Bluffton is another coastal town that's full of charm and history.

 

What are some of the most interesting old photos of South Carolina?

Only In South Carolina loves featuring old photos of South Carolina! There's so much history evident in old pictures of Charleston, SC or old pictures of Greenville, SC. Here are a few of our favorite featured articles with old photos of SC:

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