South Carolina State Maps
These maps show South Carolina's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

The 46 Counties of South Carolina and Their Name Origins
- Abbeville County: Named after the town of Abbeville, France, from which many settlers came.
- Aiken County: Named after William Aiken, the first president of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company.
- Anderson County: Named after Robert Anderson, a Revolutionary War hero.
- Bamberg County: Named after the Bamberg family, who were early settlers in the area.
- Beaufort County: Named for Henry Somerset, the Duke of Beaufort.
- Berkeley County: Named for Sir William Berkeley, one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina.
- Calhoun County: Named for John C. Calhoun, U.S. Vice President and South Carolina statesman.
- Charleston County: Named after King Charles II of England, with its name derived from Charles Town, later shortened to Charleston.
- Cherokee County: Named after the Cherokee Native American tribe that once inhabited the region.
- Chester County: Named after Chester, Pennsylvania, which was named for Chester, England.
- Chesterfield County: Named after Lord Chesterfield, a British statesman and writer.
- Clarendon County: Named for Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon and one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina.
- Colleton County: Named for Sir John Colleton, one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina.
- Darlington County: The origin is unclear, but it is likely named for Darlington, England.
- Dillon County: Named after James W. Dillon, a prominent local businessman who helped bring a railroad through the area.
- Dorchester County: Named after Dorchester, Massachusetts, from which early settlers came.
- Edgefield County: Named for its geographic location on the edge of the old "Indian Line" dividing European settlers from Native American lands.
- Fairfield County: The origin of the name is unclear, but some believe it may refer to the area's scenic views.
- Florence County: Named after Florence Harllee, the daughter of a local railroad president.
- Georgetown County: Named for King George II of England.
- Greenville County: Possibly named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene or for the area's lush greenery.
- Greenwood County: Named after its county seat, which itself was named for its natural landscape.
- Hampton County: Named after Wade Hampton III, a Confederate general and South Carolina governor.
- Horry County: Named after Peter Horry, a Revolutionary War hero.
- Jasper County: Named after Sergeant William Jasper, a Revolutionary War hero known for his bravery at the Battle of Sullivan's Island.
- Kershaw County: Named for Joseph Kershaw, a prominent merchant and soldier during the American Revolution.
- Lancaster County: Named for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which in turn was named for Lancaster, England.
- Laurens County: Named for Henry Laurens, a South Carolina statesman and president of the Continental Congress.
- Lee County: Named for Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
- Lexington County: Named to honor the Battle of Lexington, one of the first battles of the American Revolution.
- McCormick County: Named after Cyrus McCormick, the inventor of the mechanical reaper and owner of a large portion of land in the area.
- Marion County: Named for Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox," a general in the American Revolution known for his guerrilla warfare tactics.
- Marlboro County: Named after John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, an English general.
- Newberry County: The origin of the name is unclear, but it may be a reference to the area's fertile agricultural land.
- Oconee County: Named for the Oconee Native American tribe that inhabited the region.
- Orangeburg County: Named for William IV, Prince of Orange, who was the son-in-law of King George II of England.
- Pickens County: Named after Andrew Pickens, a general in the American Revolution who fought in the South Carolina backcountry.
- Richland County: Named for its fertile soil and abundant natural resources.
- Saluda County: Named after the Saluda River, which runs through the county and was named for the Saluda Native American tribe.
- Spartanburg County: Named for the Spartan Regiment, a local militia that fought in the American Revolution.
- Sumter County: Named for General Thomas Sumter, a hero of the American Revolution known as the "Gamecock."
- Union County: Named after the old Union Church, an early place of worship in the area that served multiple denominations.
- Williamsburg County: Named for King William III of England.
- York County: Named after York County, Pennsylvania, which in turn was named for York, England.

South Carolina State County Sizes Map
Smallest County in South Carolina State
McCormick County: 391 sq miles
Largest County in South Carolina State
Charleston County: 1358 sq miles(with separated islands and wetlands)
Mean and Median Area of Counties in South Carolina State
Mean Area: 622 sq miles
Median Area: 610 sq miles

Major Cities of South Carolina State and Their Locations
In South Carolina, most major cities are located near rivers, coastal areas, or major transportation routes. Below are examples:
1. Coastal Ports
Charleston: A historic city on the coast, Charleston is one of South Carolina's largest ports and has played a central role in trade and commerce throughout its history.
Hilton Head Island: Located on the southern coast of South Carolina, Hilton Head Island is a major resort destination known for its beautiful beaches and golfing, drawing visitors from around the world.
Myrtle Beach: Myrtle Beach is one of South Carolina's most famous coastal cities, known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, boardwalk, and entertainment attractions, making it a prime tourist destination.
2. River Cities
Columbia: The state capital, Columbia, is located along the Congaree River. Its central location has historically made it an important hub for trade, politics, and transportation.
Aiken: Located near the Savannah River, Aiken is known for its equestrian culture and is a prominent location for horse training and competitions. It has long been a retreat for wealthy families.
Anderson: Known as the "Electric City" for its early adoption of electricity, Anderson is located near Lake Hartwell and has become a growing center for manufacturing and industry.
3. Historic Routes
Greenville: Located near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has grown along historic transportation routes and is a center for industry and commerce in the region.
Spartanburg: Situated along historic railroads and transportation routes, Spartanburg has developed into a hub for manufacturing and industry, particularly in the automotive sector.

Topographic Tour of South Carolina
South Carolina is known for its diverse terrains, shaped by its coastal plains, rivers, and mountainous regions. From the flat coastal lowlands to the rolling hills and mountains, South Carolina presents varied landforms.
1. Blue Ridge
Located in the northwest part of South Carolina, the Blue Ridge region includes part of the Appalachian Mountains. This area features rugged peaks, forests, and clear rivers. It's known for its scenic views, waterfalls, and recreational opportunities.
2. Coastal Plain
The Coastal Plain stretches along the eastern part of South Carolina and includes both flatlands and the Sea Islands. This region has fertile soils, estuaries, and wetlands. It's a hub for agriculture and forestry.
3. Piedmont
The Piedmont lies between the Blue Ridge and Coastal Plain, with rolling hills and red clay soils. This region is a mix of agriculture, industry, and residential areas and is home to Greenville and Spartanburg.

Physiographic Regions of South Carolina
Blue Ridge, Southern
The southern portion of the Blue Ridge covers the northwestern part of South Carolina. This area is known for its mountains, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The region is part of the Appalachian Mountains and offers scenic overlooks.
Coastal Plain, Sea Island
The Coastal Plain includes the flatlands stretching from the coast inland. This region also features the Sea Islands, which are known for their unique ecosystems, wetlands, and historical significance.
Piedmont, Piedmont Upland
The Piedmont Upland consists of gently rolling hills and is located between the Blue Ridge and the Coastal Plain. This area is important for agriculture, manufacturing, and urban development.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in South Carolina
1. Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park preserves the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. It is home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern U.S. and offers hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Francis Marion National Forest
Located in the coastal plain, this national forest is known for its longleaf pine ecosystems and is home to a variety of wildlife, including red-cockaded woodpeckers. The forest provides recreational activities like hiking, birdwatching, and camping.
3. Fort Sumter National Monument(not shown on map)
Fort Sumter is a historic site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. The fort is located in Charleston Harbor and is accessible by boat. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its role in American history.
4. Cowpens National Battlefield
Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War victory. This battlefield offers visitors a chance to walk the grounds where American forces defeated the British in 1781. There is also a visitor center with exhibits about the battle.
5. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Though located primarily in Georgia, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests extend into parts of South Carolina, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. These forests contain hundreds of miles of trails and provide access to scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
6. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Straddling the border between South Carolina and Georgia, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge offers vast wetlands and habitats that are perfect for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The refuge provides trails, auto tours, and an observation deck for viewing its many bird species and alligators.
7. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is known for its rolling sandhills and diverse habitats that support species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker and gopher tortoise. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and photography in this ecologically rich area.
8. Kings Mountain National Military Park
Kings Mountain National Military Park preserves the site of a significant American victory during the Revolutionary War. Visitors can explore the battlefield, learn about the battle through interpretive exhibits, and hike the park’s scenic trails.

Ecoregions of South Carolina
Atlantic Coastal Flatlands Section
The Atlantic Coastal Flatlands cover much of eastern South Carolina. This region is characterized by flat topography, wetlands, and marshes. It supports a rich diversity of wildlife and is important for agriculture, especially rice and indigo in the past.
Blue Ridge Mountains Section
This ecoregion covers the mountainous areas of northwest South Carolina. The Blue Ridge Mountains are rich in biodiversity, with forests, streams, and wildlife habitats that support a variety of species.
Coastal Plains and Flatwoods, Lower
The Lower Coastal Plains and Flatwoods extend from the coast into the interior and include swamps, marshes, and pine forests. This area is known for its timber and forest products, as well as its biodiversity.