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Explore this South Carolina Map to know everything you want to know about the eighth State of the US. Learn about this state’s location in the United States of America and its geography, flag, seal, time zones, climatic conditions, area codes, and zip codes. Also, learn about its history, hiking trails, name and location of the capital city, major cities, national parks, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), etc.
About South Carolina
The US State of South Carolina is the 8th state in the United States. On May 23, 1788, it was admitted to the Union. Columbia is South Carolina’s capital. Charleston is the largest city. While Greenville is the largest metro, Columbia is the largest urban area. English is this state’s official language. In the US, South Carolina is the 19th most populous state. The Palmetto State is the nickname of the State of South Carolina.
South Carolina Flag
The current design of South Carolina’s flag was adopted on January 26, 1861. Two days after the adoption, the original design was modified on January 28, 1861.
The South Carolina flag’s design includes:
- A dark blue background.
- At the center of the flag a white colored a white Sabal palmetto tree is there.
- A white crescent can be seen in the upper hoist corner of the flag.
South Carolina State Symbols
South Carolina’s official government emblem is the Great Seal of the State of South Carolina. In 1776, it was adopted. Arthur Middleton and William Henry Drayton were the primary designers of South Carolina. President Rutledge first used this seal on May 22, 1777.
The design of the Great Seal of the State of South Carolina features:
- Two elliptical areas are there in the seal. The palmetto tree’s branches link these two elliptical areas.
- The palmetto tree is at the left oval, and a fallen oak can be seen at the base.
- The goddess Spes (Hope) is there at the right oval. She can be seen walking over discarded weapons on the beach at dawn.
- Two mottos are written in the outer oval ring around the inner elliptical area.
- The motto “Animis Opibusque Parati” (Prepared in Mind and Resources) is on the lower side of the outer oval ring around the inner elliptical area at the left.
- “South Carolina” is written on the upper side of the outer oval ring around the inner elliptical area at the left.
- The motto “Dum Spiro Spero” (While I Breathe I Hope) is written on the upper side of the outer oval ring around the inner elliptical area at the right.
South Carolina Location
South Carolina Location Map shows the exact location of the US state of South Carolina on the United States map. This map shows the US state’s boundaries, neighboring countries, and oceans.
The State of South Carolina is spread across the Southeastern coastal region of the USA. It shares its border with:
- North Carolina (in the north)
- The Atlantic Ocean (in the southeast)
- Georgia (in the southwest) across the Savannah River
South Carolina’s precise location (latitude and longitude) is 32°2′ N to 35°13′ N Latitude and 78°32′ W to 83°21′ W Longitude.
South Carolina History
The first trace of human beings in the present South Carolina region can be found around 11,000 to 12,000 years back. Around 1100 CE, the Mississippian cultures arrived here. In the South Carolina region, around 15,000–20,000 people of native Americans lived here in 1600.
In 1521, Santo Domingo (Hispaniola) led a group of explorers and reached here. The first white European settlement was established in 1526. On Parris Island, a significant settlement named Santa Elena was formed by the Spanish in 1566. It remained a significant base of the Spanish till 1587.
In 1670, the first permanent British settlement was built in South Carolina at a place that is now known as Charleston. Large plantations were set up by the settlers and brought slaves from Africa for farm work to grow rice and Indigo. In 1710, the people of South Carolina got their first governor. In 1729, this place officially became a British colony.
Major battles during the American Revolution in South Carolina were the battles at King’s Mountain and Cowpens. On May 23, 1788, South Carolina attained its statehood. She was incorporated into the Union as the 8th US state after the Revolutionary War was over. Cotton plantations made the state rich after the cotton gin was invented in 1793. More enslaved people were brought from Africa. By the middle of the 1800s, the number of slaves in the state reached 400,000.
Near Charleston’s Fort Sumter, the Civil War began. South Carolina joined the Confederate States of America. After the war ended in 1865, reconstruction was started and in 1868 readmitted into the Union. A new constitution was ratified, freeing all the enslaved people.
South Carolina Geography
South Carolina is spread across a total area of 32,020 sq mi (82,932 sq km), where 30,109 sq mi (77,982 sq km) is land area and 1,911 sq mi (4,949 sq km) is water area. It is the 40th largest state in the United States in terms of size.
Sassafras Mountain is the highest elevation point at 3,560 feet (1,085 m). The state’s lowest point is located at the place where South Carolina meets the Atlantic Ocean, which is at sea level. The average elevation is 350 feet (106.7 m) above sea level. Savannah River, Edisto River, Santee River, and Pee Dee River are the major rivers in South Carolina. The major lakes in South Carolina are Lake Moultrie, Lake Marion, and Lake Greenwood.
South Carolina has three distinct landforms:
- Atlantic Coastal Plain: This geographic region covers around 2/3rd of South Carolina. It starts from the Atlantic Ocean and extends to the west. The land gradually rises as you move from the southwest to the northwest.
- The Outer Coastal Plain, a part of this landform, extends from the coastal area to inland for about 70 miles (112.7 km). Outer Coastal Plain is a flat terrain that features many rivers and swamps.
- The Inner Coastal Plain, a part of this landform, includes rolling hills. You’ll find the most fertile lands in the state in this landform.
- The Pine Barrens (a forested land) can be found in the central Atlantic Coastal Plain.
- A line of sand hills can be found in the western Atlantic Coastal Plain. It runs from the southwest part of the state to the northeast part.
- Piedmont: This geographic region is situated on the northwest side of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. This landform features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 400 feet (121.9 m) to 1,200 feet (365.8 m) above sea level. On its western edge of Piedmont, the elevations can go up 1,400 ft (426.7 m).
- Blue Ridge Region is situated mainly in South Carolina’s northwestern corner. This part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina is less rugged and has lower elevations than its counterparts in North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Mountains here hardly go above the 3,000 feet (914.4 m) elevation above sea level. Check this South Carolina Topographic Map to learn more.
Learn about the location of mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, the state capital, state boundary, ocean, and neighboring states from this Physical Map of South Carolina.
South Carolina Counties
South Carolina has 46 counties, which are equivalent to counties. Charleston County is the largest county, and Calhoun County is the smallest county. Check the South Carolina County Map to learn more about the location and boundaries of different counties in the state.
South Carolina Area Codes
The area codes in the US State of South Carolina are:
The South Carolina Area Codes Map helps you locate a particular area code. You can also use it to learn more about the area code boundary, county and state boundaries, and state capital.
South Carolina Zip Codes
There are 421 active zip codes in South Carolina in 2022. Some of the best zip codes to live in the state include 29409, 29708, 29206, 29614, 29212, and many more. You can locate a particular zip code’s location, boundary, state boundary, and state capital with the help of the South Carolina Zip Codes Map.
South Carolina Major Cities
Learn about the state’s major cities from this South Carolina Cities Map. It also helps you to know the exact location of the state capital, other cities, state boundaries, neighboring states and oceans, and many more.
South Carolina’s most prominent cities are Charleston, Mount Pleasant, New Charleston, Columbia, Rock Hill, and many more.
South Carolina Airports Map
The busiest airports in South Carolina are Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Shreveport Regional Airport, etc. Check the location of different airports in the state on the South Carolina Airports Map. This map also shows South Carolina’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans.
South Carolina National Park and Trails
South Carolina has seven national parks. Around 1,079,960 visitors visit these national parks annually. Major national parks in the State are Congaree National Park, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, and others.
In South Carolina, you can enjoy 716 recreational trails (hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and other adventurous trails). Table Rock Trail, Paris Mountain State Park, Rainbow Falls, Raven Cliff Falls Trail Loop, Yellow Branch Falls Trail, Jones Gap Trail, etc., are some of the most popular trails in South Carolina.
Check out the National Parks in South Carolina Map to get a clear idea about the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, etc.
South Carolina Climate
The climatic condition in most parts of South Carolina is categorized as humid and subtropical. It is characterized by hot summers. However, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, an Oceanic Climate is found. South Carolina’s eastern and southern regions get mild winters. The northwestern area of South Carolina (especially elevations at or above 600 feet) get cool to occasionally cold winters.
The average precipitation level in the state ranges from 40 inches (1,000 mm) to 80 inches (2,000 mm). Across the state, the average yearly day temperature revolves around 90 °F (32 °C). The average yearly night temperature revolves around 70 °F (21 °C).
South Carolina Time Zones
The time zone in South Carolina is UTC−05:00 (Eastern). Its Summer (DST) time zone is UTC−04:00 (EDT).
FAQs on South Carolina
FAQ #1: What Time Zone Is South Carolina?
Ans: The time zone in South Carolina is UTC−05:00 (Eastern). Its Summer (DST) time zone is UTC−04:00 (EDT).
FAQ #2: What Is The Capital Of South Carolina?
Ans: Columbia is the capital of South Carolina.
FAQ #3: What Is South Carolina Known For?
Ans: South Carolina is known for producing automotive, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, beaches like Myrtle Beach, the oldest bottomland hardwood forest in the USA, and other travel attractions like Charleston’s Historic District, South Carolina Plantation Gardens, Hilton Head Island, etc.
FAQ #4: Does It Snow In South Carolina?
Ans: Yes, it snows in South Carolina. Snowfall usually takes place in winter, but it remains minimal.
FAQ #5: Where Is South Carolina?
Ans: South Carolina is situated in coastal Southeastern USA.
FAQ #6: Are There Alligators In South Carolina?
Ans: The American alligator is found in South Carolina.
FAQ #7: When Did South Carolina Secede?
Ans: On December 20, 1860, South Carolina seceded from the federal Union. It was the first state to do so.
FAQ #8: What is the population of South Carolina?
Ans: The population of South Carolina was estimated at US$5.25 million in 2022, making it the twenty-third largest state in the United States.
FAQ #9: Who Is The Governor Of South Carolina?
Ans: Republican Party Henry McMaster is the incumbent Governor of South Carolina in 2022. He assumed the office as the 117th Governor of South Carolina on January 24, 2017.
FAQ #10: What Is The South Carolina State Bird?
Ans: The Carolina Wren (also called Great Carolina Wren) is the state bird of South Carolina.