Grab a cup of coffee and sit back. These are some relatively disturbing secrets about bizarre SC history you may not already know about our wonderful state. From an island teeming with research monkeys to a full-fledged cult, these under-the-radar topics in South Carolina will both delight and shock you. Have you heard any of these creepy stories from South Carolina? Which one makes you the uneasiest? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

1. Shark Bites
Flickr/Malkusch Markus
In the last decade or so, there have been more than 40 shark attacks in the coastal waters of South Carolina. The Palmetto State has 301 miles of coastline (albeit the beautiful coastline). Where did most of the incidents occur? Myrtle Beach and Isle of Palms are tied for eight shark attacks each in the last ten years. If you're not a big fan of potentially being bitten - or worse - by a shark, maybe the beaches of South Carolina are something you ought to avoid.
2. Monkeys
Flickr/Michelle Bender
South Carolina has an island that's inhabited by monkeys. Morgan Island, a.k.a. Monkey Island, is a sea island outside Beaufort where an entire colony of rhesus monkeys live. They were brought here in 1979 for research after the state of SC offered up one of its barrier islands to Puerto Rico for research purposes. Now, it's just fun to talk about. How cute!
3. A Cult
Flickr/Justin
The "Brother Stair Cult" near Walterboro, SC is widely recognized for what it is: a cult. In 1978 Stair purchased an old motel near Walterboro and started the "Overcomer Ministry." He invited people to join him and to live in his "community." The only stipulations for new members of the Overcomer Ministry are that they have to sell all of their possessions upon joining, take a vow of poverty, and donate any money they have to the cause. Stair's Overcomer cult is located about 10 miles north of Walterboro. We do not recommend investigating them any further.

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4. Wild Horses
Private Islands Online
There's a private island off the coast of Beaufort that has a herd of wild horses. The island, aptly named "Wild Horse Island," has been previously listed for sale on the website PrivateIslandsOnline.com. The price? $2,750,000. Maybe this isn't literally scary, but the thought of having the money to be able to purchase this island is pretty crazy.
5. Nudists
Flickr/timothy.actwell
Like being carefree (and clothes-free)? South Carolina is home to at least two nudist resorts (woo hoo!). We're just saying; there's nothing wrong with being in your birthday suit, but per Google Maps, one of these is located 3.2 miles from an elementary school. The photo above is not from either of the resorts. It's just for fun.
6. UFOs
Flickr/Brandon Morse
South Carolina is a hotbed for sightings of unidentified flying objects. Since January 1, 2016, alone, 79 UFO sightings have been reported on the National UFO Reporting Center's website. Sadly, not a single sighting has been reported from Bowman, SC, the home of the only bonafide UFO Welcome Center in the nation. We think that's kind of unfair, don't you?

From a couple of nudist resorts to a full-fledged cult right here in South Carolina, we’re sure you were at least surprised by a couple of these.

If you want more shocking news, then you might enjoy checking out these shocking things that happened in South Carolina while you’re at it.

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SC History

Tori Jane | December 31, 2022
  1. What are some truly weird moments in SC history? 

South Carolina, like anywhere else, has its share of the offbeat and unusual. Some of the most interesting (and truly weird) moments in SC history are moments like:  

  • The time South Carolina offered up one of its barrier islands to Puerto Rico for research purposes 
  • In 1856, a Representative from South Carolina beat another Representative with a cane, quite brutally, in front of everyone (imagine what he was like in private yikes) 

 

2. Has there ever been any cults in SC? 

South Carolina might be a nice little quiet place, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been without its weirdness. Notable possible cult activity in SC includes cases like:  

  • Overcomer Ministry (formerly known as the Brother Stair Cult) 
  • Sovereign Citizen Movement 

 

3. What are some weird, lesser-known facts about SC?  

So, all that being said, did you know that:  

  • The first-ever golf game played in the U.S. was played in South Carolina 
  • South Carolina was the eighth state to ratify the US Constitution – and the first state to secede during the Civil War 
  • South Carolina is credited as being the birthplace of sweet tea

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