South Carolina from A to Z

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (or SLED) is a highly visible investigative agency with origins that date back to 1947 when Governor Strom Thurmond issued an executive order creating the crime fighting organization with statewide authority.

In 1869 the General Assembly established the South Carolina Land Commission to purchase land for sale in plots of between twenty-five and one hundred acres, which would then be sold to landless African Americans.

“S” is for South Carolina Jockey Club. The earliest record of horse racing in South Carolina is February 1734.

“S” is for South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA), a powerful networking, information, and lobbying group for the state's varied manufacturing industries, began as an organization for cotton mill owners in 1902.

“S” is for South Carolina Lunatic Asylum / State Hospital. The South Carolina Lunatic Asylum, located on Bull Street in Columbia, was established by the General Assembly in 1821 but did not open until 1828.

“W” is for Wofford College. A four year liberal arts college in Spartanburg, Wofford College was founded with a $100,000 bequest from Methodist minister and Spartanburg native Benjamin Wofford.

“W” is for WIS Radio and Television. WIS Radio and Television stations in Colombia played an influential role in the development of South Carolina's media as a result of being among the state’s pioneer commercial broadcasters and located in the state’s capital city.

“W” is for Winthrop University. Located in Rock Hill, Winthrop University traces its roots to1886 when Winthrop Training School, a teacher-training school for Columbia teachers opened.

“S” is for Sirrine, Joseph Emory (1872-1947). Architect, engineer.

“S” is for Sinclair, Bennie Lee (1939-2000). Novelist, poet.

“G” for Gullah. The term “Gullah,”or “Geechee,” describes a unique group of African Americans descended from enslaved Africans who settled in the Sea Islands and lowcountry of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina.

“C” is for Converse, Dexter Edgar (1829-1899). Industrialist.

“C” is for Continental Regiments. In the aftermath of the battles at Lexington and Concord, the Continental Congress passed resolutions that created the Continental army in June 1775. Congress then delegated the recruitment of soldiers up to the individual states

“C” is for Conroy, Donald Patrick (1945-2016). Author.

“C” is for Conner, Henry Workman (1797-1861). Merchant, banker.

“B” is for Brawley, Benjamin Griffith (1882-1939). Educator, author, editor, clergyman.

“B” is for Brown, Morris (1770-1849). Clergyman. In 1828 Morris Brown was elected as the second Bishop of the growing African Methodist Episcopal Church.

“S” is for Southern 500. The Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway was the oldest and one of the most storied races on the

“S” is for South Carolina Highway Patrol. Operating under the South Carolina Department of Safety, the South Carolina Highway Patrol is a law enforcement organization that concentrates on traffic violations.

“P” is for Post and Courier. Published in Charleston, the Post and Courier is the oldest daily newspaper in South Carolina.

“M” is for Moxon, Barbara Wischan (1921-2011). Political activist.

“G” is for Guerard, Benjamin (died 1788). Governor.

“C” is for Congaree River. At the fall line in Columbia the Broad and Saluda Rivers form the Congaree River.

“C” is for Compromise of 1808. Under the constitutions of 1778 and 1790, the House of Representatives was apportioned to benefit the lowcountry while the majority of the voting (White) population lived in the upcountry.

“C” is for Commons House of Assembly (1670 to 1776). The dominant political institution in colonial South Carolina was the Commons House of Assembly.