South Carolina has a rich history which is evident still today in its architectural marvels. More than 28 Native American tribes lived in South Carolina. However, the most influential tribe, the Cherokees were forced out during the Trail of Tears. The first settlers came from Barbados who settled in Charles Towne, later known as Charlestown.

South Carolina is situated in the southeastern US, South Carolina ranks 40th in size among the 50 states. It covers a total area of 31,113 sq mi (80,583 sq km), of which land takes up 30,203 sq mi (78,226 sq km) and inland water 910 sq mi (2,357 sq km).

South Carolina is bounded on the North and North East by North Carolina; on the South East by the Atlantic Ocean; and on the South West and West by Georgia.

Among the 13 major Sea Islands in the Atlantic off South Carolina are Bull, Sullivans, Kiawah, Edisto, Hunting, and Hilton Head, the largest island (42 sq mi—109 sq km) on the Atlantic seaboard between New Jersey and Florida. The state's geographic center is located in Richland County, 13 mi (21 km) SE of Columbia.