South Carolina, nicknamed "the Palmetto State" after the state tree (which is also shown on the state flag), is a state in the southern United States. South Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies to rebel against British rule during the American Revolution (1775 to 1783), and also the first state to secede from the Union and join the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War (1861 to 1865).

The capital and largest city of South Carolina is Columbia. Other important cities in South Carolina include Anderson, Aiken, Beaufort, Charleston, Florence, Georgetown, Greenwood, Hilton Head, Moncks Corner, Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, Newberry, North Charleston, Orangeburg, Rock Hill, Spartanburg and Sumter.

The state is a popular vacation destination, and there are many attractions in South Carolina, especially in the Myrtle Beach area. For example, just in this area alone, there's Alligator Adventure, the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Medieval Times, Myrtle Waves Water Park, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and a lot more! Another reason to visit is the many excellent golf courses in South Carolina, including quite a number of courses in the Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head areas.

- The main airport serving South Carolina is Charleston International Airport which is in Charleston.

- Perhaps the most famous educational institution in South Carolina is the University of South Carolina which is in Columbia.

- Professional sports franchises in South Carolina include the Charleston RiverDogs (South Atlantic League baseball) in Charleston, Greenville Drive (South Atlantic League baseball) in Greenville, and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Carolina League baseball) in Myrtle Beach.

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