South Carolina
The Palmetto State
Climate
Warm and humid, with hot summers and mild winters. Average highs are about 92F (33C) in summer and 58F (14C) in winter, with a risk of hurricanes on the coast.
Main industries
Known for making cars and airplanes, plus tourism, farming peaches and tobacco, and busy shipping through the port of Charleston.
Top places for tourists
The historic city of Charleston with its old houses, the beaches and golf of Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head Island for relaxing by the sea.
Places of interest
Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor, where the Civil War began in 1861; the beautiful gardens and old plantations along the rivers; and the Angel Oak, a huge ancient tree.
A little history
South Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies and became the 8th state in 1788. It was the first state to leave the Union before the Civil War in 1860.
Fun fact
South Carolina grows a lot of peaches, even more than Georgia in some years, and its name honors King Charles of England.