Shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, palmetto trees, and college football games typically come to mind when people think of South Carolina. But there are a number of fascinating historical facts about this wonderful Southern state that may surprise some. Our hometown, the city of Charleston, is the state's top tourist attraction. While the history of Charleston is filled with fascinating tales, the remainder of the state also has some quite distinctive claims to fame if you're thinking about taking a trip there. Here are some of The Palmetto State's most fascinating and unexpected facts.

1. The Real "Peach State"

South Carolina produces more peaches than Georgia.

Contrary to popular assumption, Georgia is not the Southeast's top peach-producing state. Although Georgia peaches are frequently mentioned (the state even features peaches on its license plates), South Carolina has more peaches than its southern neighbor. With a total of 10,400 tons harvested in 2017, South Carolina came in second place to California, which is still the leading peach producer in the nation.

2. Home To The Oldest Tree

Charleston's Angel Oak Tree is one of the oldest in the U.S.

The Angel Oak, one of the oldest living trees in the nation, is located not far from Charleston. This live oak is situated on the stunning Johns Island and is thought to be 500 years old or older. One of the most incredible sites to view while in Charleston is undoubtedly this. The tree, which has limbs that span more than 187 feet, is 66.5 feet tall. When you travel to visit the Angel Oak, there is no entrance fee, and the quick drive is more than worthwhile. This unusual and natural occurrence seems to surround the entire area with a mysterious aura.

3. BBQ's Birthplace

Barbecue was born in South Carolina.

While the exact origin of American barbecue is debatable, it most certainly came from the South. Many people think that the Native Americans who lived in South Carolina taught colonists how to cook wonderful pig over an open fire, despite the fact that there are many competing ideas regarding where the notion first appeared.

4. Island of Monkeys

South Carolina is home to a monkey colony.

Charleston, Dorchester, and Beaufort are all included in the Lowcountry, which stretches from Berkley to Jasper County. All of these regions have comparable geographical features, however one little barrier island off the coast of Beaufort has an unusually high density of furry inhabitants. More than 3,000 Rhesus monkeys live in a colony on the 2,000 acres of Morgan Island. Despite the fact that humans are unable to enter the island, you can ride a boat out close to the colony to see the monkeys up close. Because of the island's singularity, this type of monkey can only be found there in the wild.

5 comments

  • Susan T Mcnabb
    • Susan T Mcnabb
    • February 6, 2024 at 11:52 am

    Is Christy pregnant?

  • Brandon Massey
    • Brandon Massey
    • January 30, 2024 at 5:48 pm

    Nice to know these facts about our wonderful state of South Carolina. Thank you!!

  • Hello World! https://racetrack.top/go/giywczjtmm5dinbs?hs=d4cd532134cc55b83f73c16a0da87a6f&
    • Hello World! https://racetrack.top/go/giywczjtmm5dinbs?hs=d4cd532134cc55b83f73c16a0da87a6f&
    • April 10, 2023 at 4:47 am

    lb5g4k

  • JAMES Farmer
    • JAMES Farmer
    • March 22, 2023 at 9:17 am

    good story and things to do the next time in CharlestonJim

  • Gene Webb
    • Gene Webb
    • March 22, 2023 at 7:16 am

    Very good read on SC. Nice job

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Latest Stories

View all

a man is holding a new toadfish flats bastard rod, hes walking in crystal clear water

The Flats Bastard: Revolutionizing Inshore Finesse Fishing

The Flats Bastard from Toadfish redefines inshore finesse fishing for spin anglers. Engineered for ultra-light lures and stealthy presentations, this rod bridges the gap between spinning and fly gear, letting anglers target tailing reds, bonefish, and other prized flats species with precision. Paired with the Carbon Elite II reel and our new 8lb Braid, this combo delivers unmatched control, accuracy, and power - making spinning gear in skinny-water more effective than ever.

Read more

the abalone inlay of a handle is shown - its very pretty

Put 'Em Back x Abalone Restoration: A New Chapter in Coastal Conservation

Toadfish has launched the Abalone Collection to support the restoration of critically endangered abalone and the kelp forests they help sustain. In partnership with the Santa Monica Bay Foundation, proceeds from every product in the collection fund hands-on restoration efforts. With abalone populations down over 99%, this initiative helps bring balance back to coastal ecosystems—one reef, one shell, and one product at a time.

Read more

a man has an elite plier attached to his beltloop

The Second Generation of Toadfish Rods and Reels Just Landed

Toadfish’s biggest launch of the year is here: the Carbon II and Carbon Elite II combos. Redesigned from the ground up, these rods and reels are lighter, stronger, and more responsive than ever before. Whether you’re chasing reds on a flat or hunting snook deep in the mangroves, every detail is engineered for serious anglers who rely on their gear. Here’s what makes this new generation worth the upgrade.

Read more