History:

Did you know …  Before the Europeans arrived in South Carolina the land was inhabited by a number of Native American tribes. The two largest tribes were the Catawba and the Cherokee. The first European to arrive in South Carolina was Spanish explorer Francisco Gordillo in 1521. He captured a number of Native Americans and left. The Spanish returned in 1526 to settle the land in hopes of finding gold. However, the settlement didn't survive and the people left. In 1562, the French arrived and built a settlement on Paris Island. This settlement failed as well and the French soon returned home. In 1670, the English established a large settlement in the region. Then in 1710 they divided the territory into two colonies: North and South Carolina. After the Revolutionary War, South Carolina became the eighth state to join the United States on May 23, 1788.  LEARN MORE: HERE & HERE.

Agriculture and Industry:

Did you know …  During the first half of the 20th century, agriculture was the key to South Carolina’s economy, but by the early 1920s the value of manufactured goods had exceeded that of agricultural products. Although agriculture continues to be important, it has played a diminishing role as employment in the manufacturing and service sectors has increased. South Carolina’s manufacturing activities historically have been typified by low-wage production of fabrics and other nondurable goods, but with shifts in the state’s economy since the late 20th century, transportation equipment and other durable goods have become more significant. The state’s service sector is propelled to a large degree by tourism. Other Key Industries include: Textiles, chemicals, paper, automobiles, and machinery. South Carolina’s Key Agriculture include: poultry, cattle, soybeans, tobacco, and peaches. LEARN MORE: HERE & HERE.

State Bird and State Flower

Did you know …  The official State Bird of South Carolina is the Carolina Wren.  South Carolina designated the Carolina wren as the official state bird in 1948. The Carolina Wren can be recognized by the white stripe that runs above each eye and its distinctive "tail-up" posture. The song is a familiar one throughout South Carolina, resembling the words "tea-kettle-tea-kettle-tea-kettle-tea." LEARN MORE: HERE & HERE.

The official State Flower of South Caroloina is the Yellow Jessamine (Jasmine). Yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) was designated the official state flower of South Carolina in 1924.  It blooms in very late winter or early spring, offering the first hope of warm weather to come! This flower loves sun and can grow quite fast given plenty of space and moist, well-drained soil. LEARN MORE: HERE & HERE.

Charleston, SC

Did you know … In 1790 the capital of South Carolina became Columbia in order to be located near the center of the state, but its original capital was Charleston. The first permanent British settlement in South Carolina was founded in 1670. It would later become the city of Charleston.  Fun fact: The first game of golf played in the United States occurred in Charleston, South Carolina. LEARN MORE: HERE & HERE.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Did you know …  Myrtle Beach area is often featured in numerous magazines, blogs and websites. With the area’s 60 mile of coastline and 14 distinct communities, there’s a lot to cover. Myrtle Beach has been the most family-friendly vacation destinations for decades with hundreds of restaurants, top-rated hotels, and exciting attractions. At 187 feet tall, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the United States. Myrtle Beach has 650 acres of public parks and recreation property. That’s slightly more than a square mile, or nearly five percent of the city’s total area. The land includes Grand Park, Whispering Pines Golf Course, and some four dozen other parks. South Carolina has more than 300 golf courses in total, and Myrtle Beach is known as the golf capital of the world.  LEARN MORE: HERE & HERE.

Fun Facts

Did you know …  South Carolina is also known as the Palmetto State.  The reason why South Carolina is referred to as the “Palmetto State” in honor of the state tree, the sabal palmetto. During the Revolutionary War these trees were used to build forts because their soft wood could absorb cannonball impacts. South Carolina is known for its beaches, golf courses, and historic districts. South Carolina is named in honor of King Charles I of England, under whose reign the English colony was first formed.The word “Carolina” comes from the Latin name Carolus, which is translated as Charles.

Some famous people from South Carolina include: James Brown – Singer, Joe Frazier - Champion Heavyweight Boxer, Kevin Garnett - Professional basketball player, Andrew Jackson - The 7th President of the United States, Jesse Jackson - Civil rights activist, Shoeless Joe Jackson - Professional baseball player, Chris Rock - Comedian and actor, and Vana White - Game show host.

LEARN MORE: HERE, HERE, HERE, & HERE.

Check out this YouTube video on South Carolina!

Did you know that South Carolina is also a major producer of apples and celebrates the South Carolina Apple Festival each year at the beginning of apple harvest season? 

Here are some apple  jokes to make you giggle:

Q: When is an apple grouchy?

A: When it’s a crab apple.

Q: What type of a computer do horses like to eat?

A: McIntosh computers

Q: What kind of apple isn’t an apple?

A: A pineapple.

Q: Where do yellow jackets go to watch the big game?

A: Apple-Bees.

Q: What reads and lives in apples?

A: Bookworms.

Q: Why did the yam get along so well with the apple?

A: They were both candied.

Q: Why did the apple pie go to a dentist?

A: Because it needed a filling.

Q: What kind of apple throws the best parties?

A: Gala apples.

Q: What kind of pie did George Washington’s mom make?

A: Apple pie – because the cherry tree was gone.

Here are some South Carolina themed read alouds...

"It’s a Seashell Day"

By Elliot Kreloff

"Each Peach Pear Plum"

by Janet & Allan Ahlberg 

Watch this video tour of gorgeous Lowndes Grove Plantation

Please enjoy "Story Time with Miss Trudy" as she reads us another of her favorites, "Lola Loves Stories" by Anna McQuinn

Be one of the first to know when Miss Trudy shares another story & Subscribe to our Virtual Learning Youtube Channel!

Being at the heart of all things Southern, South Carolina is a hub of regional flavors and tastes. From boiled peanuts to pimento cheese, and with a little BBQ, collards, and sweet tea thrown in for good measure, the Palmetto State is filled with signature dishes and iconic ingredients. South Carolina is also the second largest producer of peaches in the United States, just behind California. Johnston, South Carolina is called the Peach Capital of the World. Here’s a fun fact: there is a giant water tower in the shape of a peach near Gaffney, South Carolina!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups sugar, divided

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• Pinch of salt

• 1 cup mil 

• 4 cups fesh peach slices

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
2. Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt; add milk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour batter over butter (do not stir).
3. Bring remaining 1 cup sugar, peach slices, and lemon juice to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly; pour over batter (do not stir). Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
4. Bake at 375° for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve cobbler warm or cool.

Chef's Notes

This dessert is perfect for entertaining guests on a summer night or even during the middle of the day at a cookout. Fresh peaches make this dish absolutely delicious. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy.