American Folklore in South Carolina

South Carolina is one of the original thirteen states, but its history began long before the first European settlers arrived. Native peoples had lived throughout the region for countless generations, building communities along its rivers, forests, coastal marshes, and barrier islands.

The name Carolina comes from Carolus, the Latin form of Charles. The land was named in honor of England's King Charles I. South Carolina later ratified the United States Constitution on May 23, 1788, becoming the eighth state to join the new nation.

Many Native American nations lived in what's now South Carolina. These included the Catawba, Cherokee, Pee Dee, Waccamaw, Santee, Edisto, Kiawah, Yamasee, and several other groups. The Catawba lived primarily in the Piedmont region, while other communities made their homes along the coast and major rivers.

European explorers began visiting the coastline during the 1500s. A Spanish expedition attempted to establish the colony of San Miguel de Gualdape in 1526, although historians still debate its exact location. The colony failed within a few months because of disease, hunger, internal conflict, and resistance from the people who'd been enslaved there.

The French established Charlesfort on present-day Parris Island in 1562, but the small settlement lasted only about a year. Spain later established Santa Elena at the same location in 1566. Santa Elena became the capital of Spanish Florida before it was abandoned in 1587.

The first lasting English settlement in South Carolina was Charles Towne, founded in 1670. It was later moved to the area where Charleston stands today.

With Native American, European, African, and Caribbean traditions meeting in the same region, South Carolina developed a rich collection of legends and ghost stories. Some began with real people and historical events. Others came from spiritual beliefs, unexplained sightings, family stories, and warnings passed from one generation to the next.

Here are some of South Carolina's most memorable legends...

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