The Modern State (1970-Present)

Scott became only the sixth African American to serve in the United States Senate, as well as the first African American to represent South Carolina in that body.

After graduating from high school, Sellers left South Carolina in 1962 to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. At Howard he met several student activists, including Stokely Carmichael, who would later become chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

From 1951 to 1954 he played basketball at Furman University and is best known for his high-scoring performances that made national headlines, including 100 points in a 149–95 victory over Newberry College.

As Speaker, Sheheen devoted much of his time to organizational and procedural issues at a time when South Carolina’s two-party system was growing increasingly partisan and competitive.

A fixture at left tackle from 1968 to 1982, Shell became one of the most dominating offensive linemen in professional football history.

Sheriff’s efforts to train and license lay midwives in South Carolina during the postwar decades reveal the pragmatism that guided her public health policies.

Sheriffs are well-known and prominent public officials and law enforcement officers. Constables tend to be somewhat obscure in the public’s awareness. But whether sheriffs or constables, these officers have been steadfastly providing law enforcement services since the colonial period.

From 1939 until 1990 the musical career of Pappy Sherrill was closely entwined with that of Snuffy Jenkins. They recorded later albums for Folk-Lyric, Rounder, and Old Homestead.

Simkins’s life embodied many of the ideals set forth by her parents. She proved herself as an independent leader and advocate for the black community.

Simmons’s most elaborate ironworks were created for homes in the celebrated Battery District near the harbor.

Novelist, poet. Sinclair was born on April 15, 1939, in Greenville to Graham Sinclair and Bennie Ward. While she was…

Short story writer, novelist, educator. Born in Anaheim, California, on May 13, 1958, and raised in Greenwood, South Carolina, Singleton…

In 1943 Smart was assigned to the 9th Bomber Command in the Middle East, duty for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. While a colonel with the 9th Bomber Command, Smart conceived of the strategy for the daring World War II bombing raid on the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania. Smart’s idea called for bombers to fly exceedingly low to bomb the tightly defended refineries, which were believed to be producing one-third of the fuel oil for Nazi Germany.

Musician. Thanks to the widespread popularity of his instrumental hit “Guitar Boogie,” Arthur Smith became one of the better-known guitarists…

Writer, publisher, and Pulitzer Prize winner. Born in Ithaca, New York, in 1951, to William R. Smith, a hotel administrator,…

Legislator, educator, businesswoman. Smith, the daughter of Arthur Hugh Smith and Alice Beryl Whitley, was born in Washington, North Carolina,…

The South Carolina Lunatic Asylum, located in Columbia, was established by the General Assembly in 1821. It did not open,…

The constabulary’s prime mission of countering illegal whiskey was difficult and dangerous. Remote areas in mountains and swamps saw a near fanatical belief by residents that laws from beyond their domain held no sway in their territory. “Moonshine” liquor was part of the culture and a way some chose to earn a living when times were tough.

Monroe Kirklyndorf Spears was born in Darlington, South Carolina, and educated at the University of South Carolina, where he earned…

Legislator, congressman. Spence was born in Columbia on April 9, 1928, the son of J. W. and Addie Jane Spence…