Welcome to South Carolina

No matter who you are, or what your interest, South Carolina will make the corners of your mouth curl up with endless adventure, excitement, exploration and fun. Wander through America's oldest landscaped garden, take a swing at more than 330 golf courses, search for shells on pristine beaches, or kayak through undisturbed marshland. Discover your heritage within our own. So much of what makes America great began right here in South Carolina. The culture, art and folklore of our past make enchanting lessons in history.

www.discoversouthcarolina.com

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the First Baptist Church in Columbia was the site of the first Secession Convention in 1860 which led to the Civil War. The original church, built in 1811, was located at the corner of Sumter and Hampton Streets and was replaced by a second church in 1859. Amazingly, the church survived the “Burning of Columbia” on February 17, 1865, during the Federal occupation. The pulpit furnishings, slave balcony and brick-pillared portico are as they were then.

Fort Hill was the home of John C. Calhoun, South Carolina's pre-eminent 19th century statesman, from 1825 until his death in 1850. The antebellum plantation home, office and kitchen are furnished mostly with family artifacts. John Caldwell Calhoun's national political career spanned 40 years from 1810 to 1850. Thomas Green Clemson, Calhoun's son-in-law and founder of the University, envisioned "the preservation of the home of the illustrious man who spent his life in the public service of his country." Thomas Clemson willed that Fort Hill "shall always be open for the inspection of visitors."

Drayton Hall is the oldest preserved plantation house in America that is open to the public. Begun in 1738, the historic plantation house stands on a 630-acre site and is one of the finest examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in America. After seven generations, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and numerous hurricanes and earthquakes, the main house remains in nearly original condition. The entire site serves as a testimony to America's heritage.

A pasturing area at the time of the battle, this Revolutionary War site commemorates the place where Daniel Morgan and his army turned the flanks of Banastre Tarleton's British army. This classic military tactic, known as a double envelopment, was one of only few in history. This victory gave the Patriots the moral support needed to continue fighting and win the Revolution just nine months later. Featured at the battlefield is a walking trail and marked road tour, a picnic ground, and a visitor center with exhibits, memorabilia and a multi-image presentation.

In 1903 David Coker opened Coker Experimental Farms to develop a cotton-breeding program that would produce long staple cotton that could be grown throughout the South. Today the property has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a National Historic Landmark, one of only 14 representing agricultural industry in the country. Plans are underway for an interpretive learning center focusing on cotton to be built on the site.

Whether you live to shop, or you're just seeking the perfect memento of your visit to the Palmetto State, this is the place to say, "I'll take it." With retailers offering everything from the hippest high fashion to handcrafted one-of-a-kind objects, you're sure to find everything you’re looking for in a glittering metropolitan department store, at an outlet bargain mecca, in a unique specialty shop in a small historic hamlet or on a roadside stand. Unique South Carolina finds include the handwoven Gullah sweetgrass basket, one of the oldest art forms of African origin practiced in the United States.

The National Trust Main Street Center awarded Greenville a 2003 Great American Main Street Award in recognition of the revival of Greenville’s downtown. The downtown is rich with beautiful sidewalks, distinctive architecture, historic treasures and tremendous natural resources. Visitors to Downtown can enjoy, in addition to great dining, a year-round series of special events suited to the season and appealing to almost every taste.

Built in 1881 at a cost of $30,000 the Newberry Opera House has served as the City Centerpiece for 118 years. It was designed in the French Gothic style as both a place of entertainment and as a seat of government for the city. The structure recently underwent a $5.5 million renovation which restored it to its' historic splendor and converted it to a state of the art performance facility.

“We’ve been waiting almost 500 years for your visit.” With this welcoming invitation, Beaufort immediately captures the imagination. Reminders of the area’s colorful history abound in architecture preserved with loving care and folkways honored across generations. The entire downtown Beaufort area is designated a historic district. Architecture from many grand cultures and eras includes French, Colonial, Spanish-American, and Revolutionary origins.