16 Things You Probably Didn't Know About South Carolina
By Gwen Tennille|Updated on August 28, 2020(Originally published August 14, 2020)
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Gwen Tennille
Author
Gwen is an author, artist, illustrator, graphic designer, mother, wife, and part-time super hero. She loves to tackle her dreams head on and takes life by storm. Coffee is her best friend and a good book cannot be beat! When does she have the time, you ask? Well...do you really need that much sleep?
To be frank, there are so many fascinating facts about South Carolina that it was hard to pick just a few. The history of this beautiful place reaches as far back as 1663 when it was colonized by the English. (You could reach back further, but let’s not anger the history books.) Within that time, so many things have come to be and so many things have been lost. Let’s not forget these lesser known facts about South Carolina:
I imagine that there is no one left in South Carolina who hasn't seen or heard of the Angel Oak of John's Island (just outside of Charleston, SC). This awe-inspiring tree is the oldest living organism east of the Mississippi at 1500 years old!
Donated to Barnwell, SC by Captain Joseph D. Allen in 1858. It is the only one in the country like it and has kept perfect time for more than 150 years!
Many other states try to lay claim to this honor, but it has been known that barbecue has been made here since the Spanish shook hands with the local Native Americans.
6. North America's Oldest Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Where the Congaree and Wateree rivers join hands is the oldest bottomland hardwood forest in North America! That's quite some accomplishment for South Carolina!
Found at the top of the 18 story Capstone Building in Columbia, The Top restaurant is the only revolving restaurant found in South Carolina! It offers 360-degree views of the Columbia landscape.
Want to visit a whole different world? Look no further than your own back yard. Found in Sheldon, SC, you will find the African village, Oyotunji. It is said that when you step through their gates you are no longer on American soil. They do welcome visitors and if you call ahead they will let you know the best dates to come and visit.
Located in Blackville, SC, you will find sacred land; land that has the distinction of being deeded to God. People come from all over to partake in the water that flows from the artesian wells in hopes that the legendary healing properties will cure them or keep them well. I'm not sure if it works or not, but I remember going many times as a child and my mom gathering milk jugs full of the sweet water. I remember it being the best tasting water I had ever had and to this day, I still think it is the best water I have ever had.
Not known to many people, South Carolina's Morgan Island is home to a population of Rhesus monkeys. Note this island is highly guarded and not open to the general population.
Have you ever wondered where or how sweet tea came about? Summerville, SC is known to be the birthplace of sweet tea, that wonderful southern concoction we love so well. They even have a "Sweet Tea Trail" that you can follow to see the origins for yourself.
On Hwy. 301, a little outside of Orangeburg, sits one huge coffee pot! Fred and Emily Griffen opened this little diner in 1950-1951. I remember my mom driving me past it when I was little and always thinking that that it was so much bigger than what it really is. If it were real, this coffee pot could hold 330 gallons of hot brew. Much to my surprise, I recently discovered that the little diner had been restored to its full glory!
That's right. You heard it right here and now you can definitely tell everyone who thinks otherwise. South Carolina grows more peaches than Georgia and is only second to California in production. Now you can proudly check out a peach festival as South Carolina has quite a few of them.
How many of these lesser known facts about South Carolina did you know already? Check out more fun South Carolina trivia to impress friends and family with.
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Lesser Known Facts About South Carolina
Leah|August 28, 2020
What is South Carolina known for?
There are many interesting things about South Carolina that make this state special. South Carolina is also known by its nickname, the Palmetto State, named after the state tree that can be found on the state's popular beaches. Many people visit here to experience these beautiful beaches, especially famous ones like Myrtle Beach. SC is also known for its history, and there's no better example than in Charleston. This famous city is full of historic buildings and lovely sights, making it a top tourist destination in not only the United States but the entire world.
What are the most popular facts about South Carolina?
On the opposite end of the spectrum of little known facts about South Carolina are the popular, well-known facts that SC residents aren't afraid to boast about. The first European settlement in North America was in South Carolina in 1526. Before South Carolina's official nickname was the Palmetto State, it was known as the Iodine State. The state was the site of many important Civil War battles, including the very first one at Fort Sumter. South Carolina is known for having great barbecue and delicious seafood, as well.
What are the most unique places in South Carolina?
After hearing about this South Carolina trivia, you can experience some of the unique destinations for yourself at these one-of-a-kind places in the state. It's a little-known fact that South Carolina was the site of an accidental nuclear bombing. The Mars Bluff Bomb Site has recovered over the years, but you can still visit this unusual spot for yourself and see where it dropped and (luckily) did not detonate. South Carolina is home to a very unique garden: Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden. What started out as a man just set out to prove he could maintain a nice lawn has turned into a destination visited by thousands each year. They come to see the whimsically and carefully trimmed plants that create beautiful sights.
