South Carolina’s colonial period
South Carolina’s colonial period spanned from the late 17th century to the late 18th century when the state was under British rule. During this period, several urban areas emerged as centers of trade, commerce, and political power. These urban areas played a significant role in the economic development and political transformation of South Carolina, and some of them still remain major cities in the state today.
Charleston: The largest city in colonial SC
Charleston was the largest city in colonial South Carolina and a major port city in the Southeast. Settled in the late 17th century, Charleston’s strategic location made it an important center for trade and commerce. The city’s port played a crucial role in the transportation of goods, including rice, indigo, and lumber, which were major exports of the state. Charleston was also a center for political and social activity, and its prominence continued throughout the colonial period, making it one of the most important cities in the British colonies.
Beaufort: The second largest city in colonial SC
Beaufort was the second largest city in colonial South Carolina and a vital port city. Located on the coast, Beaufort was an important center for trade and commerce, particularly in the export of indigo and rice. The city was also a center for political activity, with influential politicians and plantation owners residing there. Beaufort’s strategic location on the coast made it vulnerable to attack during times of war, and it played a significant role in the American Revolution and the Civil War. Today, Beaufort is a charming coastal city with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
Georgetown: A vital port city in colonial SC
Georgetown was a vital port city in colonial South Carolina, located on the coast near the border with North Carolina. Founded in the early 18th century, Georgetown was an important center for the export of rice, indigo, and other goods. The city’s location on the Winyah Bay made it an ideal center for maritime commerce and fishing, and it also played a significant role in the American Revolution. Today, Georgetown is a small coastal city with a rich history and a thriving tourism industry.
Camden: A trading hub in colonial SC
Camden was a trading hub in colonial South Carolina, located in the northern part of the state. The city was established in the mid-18th century and quickly became an important center for trade and commerce. Camden was known for its production of tobacco and other agricultural products, which it exported to other colonies and Europe. The city also played a role in the American Revolution, with several battles fought in and around the area. Today, Camden is a small city with a charming downtown area and a rich history.
Williamsburg: A center for colonial SC’s inland trade
Williamsburg was a center for colonial South Carolina’s inland trade, located in the Pee Dee region of the state. The city was founded in the early 18th century and quickly became an important center for trade and commerce, particularly in the export of timber and other goods from the inland regions. Williamsburg also played a significant role in the American Revolution, with several battles fought in and around the area. Today, Williamsburg is a small city with a rich history and a thriving tourism industry.
Ninety Six: A strategic fort town in colonial SC
Ninety Six was a strategic fort town in colonial South Carolina, located in the western part of the state. The town was established in the late 18th century and quickly became an important center for military activity during the American Revolution. The town’s strategic location made it an important center for the British army, and it was the site of several battles during the war. Today, Ninety Six is a small town with a rich history and several historic sites.
Orangeburg: A colonial SC town on the rise
Orangeburg was a colonial South Carolina town on the rise, located in the central part of the state. The town was established in the mid-18th century and quickly became an important center for trade and commerce, particularly in the export of tobacco and other agricultural goods. Orangeburg also played a role in the American Revolution, with several battles fought in and around the area. Today, Orangeburg is a small city with a vibrant downtown area and a rich history.
Cheraw: A colonial SC town with a diverse economy
Cheraw was a colonial South Carolina town with a diverse economy, located in the northeastern part of the state. The town was established in the mid-18th century and quickly became an important center for trade and commerce, particularly in the export of tobacco and other agricultural products. Cheraw also had a thriving mercantile economy, with several important merchants and traders residing there. Today, Cheraw is a small town with a charming downtown area and a rich history.
Edgefield: The gateway to colonial SC’s Piedmont
Edgefield was the gateway to colonial South Carolina’s Piedmont region, located in the western part of the state. The town was established in the late 18th century and quickly became an important center for trade and commerce, particularly in the export of timber and other goods from the Piedmont region. Edgefield also played a role in the American Revolution, with several battles fought in and around the area. Today, Edgefield is a small town with a rich history and several historic sites.
Abbeville: A colonial SC town with a rich history
Abbeville was a colonial South Carolina town with a rich history, located in the western part of the state. The town was established in the mid-18th century and quickly became an important center for trade and commerce, particularly in the export of timber and other goods from the region. Abbeville also played a role in the American Revolution, with several battles fought in and around the area. Today, Abbeville is a small town with a charming downtown area and a rich history.
Sumter: A colonial SC town with a strategic location
Sumter was a colonial South Carolina town with a strategic location, located in the central part of the state. The town was established in the mid-18th century and quickly became an important center for trade and commerce, particularly in the export of tobacco and other agricultural products. Sumter’s location made it an important center for transportation, with several major roads and railroads passing through the area. Today, Sumter is a small city with a thriving economy and a rich history.
