Colonial Era

South Carolina's colonial period shaped the state's geography, economy, and society in ways that still matter today. From the founding of Charleston in 1670 through the American Revolution, colonial leaders made decisions about land, trade, and governance that determined how the region developed. Understanding this history helps explain why South Carolina's cities, laws, and communities look and function the way they do.

These articles cover the people who settled here, how they governed themselves, what they grew and traded, and the conflicts that led to independence. You'll learn about the colonial government structure, the role of slavery in the economy, major events and figures, and how daily life worked for different groups of people during this period.