Although many may confuse South Carolina with its neighbor to the North, its history and culture is uniquely its own. File away these facts for a future trip, you’ll be glad you did.
- Ever heard of The Iodine State? Chances are you haven’t, and that’s probably a good thing. Once named after the high levels of iodine found in the lowcountry fruits and veggies, South Carolina quickly shed this nickname for something much better: The Palmetto State.
- The smallest town in South Carolina has a population of 45 people, according to the 2010 census. This town of few sits at about .7 miles, and goes by the name of Smyrna.
- If you know anything about the South you know religion lives here. Charleston alone hold more than 400 places of worship, representing several denominations across the city.
- The tallest building in Charleston is, in fact, a church. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church stands at 297 feet tall. At one point, this holy structure was the tallest in the state.
- The “bloodiest four years in American history” began on South Carolina soil. Fort Sumter is now a national monument and popular tourist destination.
- Were you a fan of Gullah Gullah Island? Well, this popular Nickelodeon television show was filmed in St. Helena of South Carolina during the 90’s, and was inspired by real lowcountry culture!
- Have you ever looked at a button and thought of its potential as art? That’s precicely what Dalton Stevens did in 1983 when he first began sewing thousands of buttons on garments to combat insomnia. Today, his art can be viewed at The Button Museum, and consists of things such as a button covered hearse!
- Morgan Island (affectionately known as Monkey Island) is home to more than 4,000 rhesus monkeys. With about 700 monkeys born annually, the island belongs solely to current and future monkeys. The only humans allowed are researchers and animal care peoples.
- Sumter, South Carolina is home to more than just a historic battlefield, it’s also the world’s largest ginko farm!
- “America’s First Museum” was established by the Charleston Library Society in 1773, and continues to hold its rank as the first museum in America, outdating Philadelphia.
- Got tatts? Tattooing was illegal in South Carolina until 2004! Since the law was changed, more than 100 tattoo parlors have opened up across the state.
- This one’s for those with a sweet tooth: Summerville is the birthplace of sweet tea! We even have a Sweet Tea Trail that guides you through all things southern
What’s your favorite little-known fact about South Carolina? Experience all of the weird, delightful, and enthralling elements of the lowcountry yourself by visiting us at The Restoration Hotel in South Carolina. Stay in the comfort of a boutique hotel in the heart of the Carolinas.
