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Explore South Carolina through StudySC! Learn about your community, South Carolina history, and the people who have made a significant impact on the state and the world.

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An older gentleman sitting in a brown leather chair

Matthew J. Perry, Jr.

Judge Matthew James Perry, Jr. was South Carolina's first Black United States District Court Judge.

Major David du Bose Gaillard wearing an early 1900 style military uniform.

David du Bose Gaillard

David du Bose Gaillard was a U.S. Army engineer instrumental in the construction of the Panama Canal.

Color photograph of James Jamerson

James Jamerson

James Jamerson was a bass player most known for creating the "Motown Sound."

Buck Baker wearing a light and dark color racing helmet

Buck Baker

Born in Richburg, SC, Elzie Wylie Baker Sr., better known as Buck Baker, was a stock car racer. He was the first driver to win consecutive NASCAR premier series championships. 

A brick building with white sliding at the top of the front entrance.

Marion County

Marion County and its county seat, the town of Marion, were named for Revolutionary War general Francis Marion (1732-1795), known as the "Swamp Fox."

A large brick building with a four large white columns and roof.

Calhoun County

Calhoun County was named for John C. Calhoun (1782-1850), who served as the United States vice president, secretary of state and of war, and senator.

A red wooden building with a metal tin roof.

Clarendon County

Clarendon County was named for Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon (1608/9-1674), one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina.

A small green wagon with yellow wheels.

Oconee County

Oconee County takes its name from a Native American word meaning "water eyes of the hills." It was formed in 1868 from Pickens District, and the county seat is Walhalla.

South Carolina Facts

South Carolina State Seal

South Carolina State Seal

South Carolina's State Seal was designed by William Henry Drayton and Arthur Middleton in 1776. John Rutledge, the President of the Provincial Congress of South Carolina, used the Seal for the first time on May 22, 1777. The current seal is made up of two elliptical areas linked by branches of the palmetto tree. The left oval is the palmetto tree with a fallen oak at the base. The right oval is the goddess Spes (Hope) walking on the beach at dawn over discarded weapons.

South Carolina Glossary

A older man sitting on wooden steps in a doorway.

freedman

(noun) - a person who has been released from slavery