South Carolina Historical Events

South Carolina Heritage Charleston & the Lowcountry

A 1773 colonial map of South Carolina with Charleston and Lowcountry waterways — Colonial South Carolina map, 1773 — geographic context for the Stono Rebellion, not a contemporary depiction of it. The map was made 34 years after the uprising.
Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division · Archive source

Slavery & Resistance

September 9, 1739 · Stono River, near Charleston, South Carolina

Stono Rebellion

On September 9, 1739, enslaved people near Charleston rose against slavery and marched south toward freedom in Spanish Florida.

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Opening page of the Library of Congress transcription of the official 1822 Charleston trial report — Opening page of the Library of Congress transcription of the 1822 official trial report. This is the court’s account of the allegations, not independent proof of every claim.
Library of Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections Division · Archive source

Slavery & Resistance

July 2, 1822 · Vesey’s execution · Charleston, South Carolina

Denmark Vesey and the Charleston Executions

July 2 marks Denmark Vesey’s execution in Charleston in 1822. The executions are documented; claims about the alleged uprising must be read critically.

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Front page of The Bamberg Herald dated May 15, 1919, with coverage of attacks in Charleston — Contemporary newspaper coverage of the Charleston racial violence. Early reports differed from later accounts; the headline’s death toll should not be treated as definitive.
The Bamberg Herald, May 15, 1919, p. 1, South Carolina Digital Newspaper Program · Archive source

Jim Crow & Racial Violence

May 10, 1919 · Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston Racial Violence

On May 10, 1919, white servicemen and civilians attacked Black residents and businesses in Charleston, an early episode of the Red Summer.

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