The State Flag of South Carolina

South Carolina’s state flag, although simple in design, is rich in history. The original version of this flag was designed by Colonel Moultrie, who was asked to do so by the Revolutionary Council of Safety in 1775. The current version of the state flag was adopted by South Carolina’s General Assembly on January 28, 1861. Many designs were considered for the new Republic of South Carolina Flag; in the end it was decided that the existing state flag would be modified for use as the National flag.

South Carolina's flag in 1775

Colonel Moultrie selected a shade of blue for the flag that matched the color worn by the South Carolina troops during the Revolutionary War. The 1775 version of this flag depicted an upward facing crescent which replicated the silver badge worn on their caps. The crescent element of the state flag was first used on a banner flown by protesters of the Stamp Act in 1765.

Courage and strength

The 1861 version was amended to include the image of a palmetto tree. The palmetto tree was added to symbolize strength and represent Colonel Moultrie’s courageous and heroic actions while protecting the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan’s Island from an attack by the British fleet on Jun 28, 1776. The cannonballs that were fired at the fort from the British battleships could not destroy the walls of the fort which were built of Palmetto logs.

South Carolina’s flag is a symbol of strength and resilience. Keeping and modifying the same design that flew in South Carolina during the Civil War embodies the state’s heritage, while also represents its ability to change and adapt over time.