Flag of South Carolina

Proportions: 2:3, 3:5 or 5:8 South Carolina Flag Description:
The flag of South Carolina consists of a blue base with a white palmetto tree in the center and a white crescent moon to the upper left of the tree.

South Carolina Flag Meaning:
Blue is used because it matched South Carolina soldiers' uniforms in the late 1770s and the crescent emblem which duplicated the silver badges, which were worn on their caps. The palmetto tree is a symbol of victory; it represents Col. Moultrie's successful defense of a fort, made of palmetto logs, on Sullivan's Island, against the attack of the British fleet in 1776.

South Carolina Flag History:
The flag was adopted on Jan. 28, 1861. South Carolina is the eighth state of the union, gaining statehood on May 23, 1788. It is one of the original 13 colonies that united to form the union of the United States. When South Carolina seceded from the United States, in December 1860, a national flag was needed. Col. Moultrie's design was chosen in January 1861, with the addition of a palmetto tree.

Interesting South Carolina Facts:
South Carolina's state nickname is the Palmetto State.

The flag is based on a design by Col. William Moultrie, who was asked by the Revolutionary Council of Safety to design a flag for the South Carolina regiments fighting during the American Revolution in 1775.