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In this first segment on ‘The Importance of Cotton,’ Dr. Peter Coclanis gives us a brief overview of South Carolina’s economic landscape, pre-Revolutionary War (1763). Before the American Revolution...
Video
The two most widely used bomber aircraft used by the U.S. in World War II were the Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress,” and the Consolidated B-24 “Liberator.” During bombing runs, the two biggest fears...
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With the invention of the “Cotton Gin” by Eli Whitney, combined with methods we would today call “scientific plant breeding,” the cotton industry boomed in South Carolina, in the early 19th century...
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With the success of cotton in South Carolina, entrepreneurs in other states looked to cash in on the success of cotton plantations. When the cotton economy and market-shares begin to decline in S.C...
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Walter Edgar begins by noting how Charleston played a crucial role in South Carolina’s economy. Dr. Coclanis then discusses the major exports from South Carolina. In the 18th century,rice was S.C.'s...
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After the Civil War, and the end of slavery, cotton continued to remain as one of South Carolina’s mainstay crops, even well into the 20th century.
Interactive
Located in downtown Charleston, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is nationally recognized as one of our country’s most significant historical sites. Click play to view the tour on your device View...
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For the second lecture in this four-part series of Conversations on South Carolina: The State and the New Nation, 1783-1828. Dr. Larry Watson discusses slavery in South Carolina. Professor Watson is...
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Dr. Larry Watson discusses the reasons why, between 1787 and 1803, South Carolina forbade the importation of new slaves. This resulted in the rise of the domestic slave trade in the Southern U.S.
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Dr. Watson outlines the South Carolina Slave Code, originating with the 1740 “Negro Act.” The code is the system of etiquette for slave life, and penalties for various offenses.