Posted in South Carolina August 06, 2017 by Robin Jarvis

Here Are The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In South Carolina And They’re Incredible

Thanks to a few diligent folks and organizations in the Palmetto State, there’s a hearty historical digital archive of images documenting the history of our great state. We spent the better part of the afternoon combing through the files to discover some of the most amazing early photos taken in South Carolina. Take a look:

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.

1. Spartanburg, 1910. Overhead wires and cable cars line the streets of Spartanburg.

2. Beaufort, 1862. A city street on the water's edge with a small boat in the foreground.

3. Beaufort, 1862. Erecting a pontoon bridge across the Port Royal River.

4. Beaufort, 1862. Preparing cotton for the gin on James Joyner Smith's plantation soon after being occupied by Union forces.

5. Morris Island, 1863. An encampment on Morris Island during the Civil War.

6. Morris Island, 1863. An unidentified camp.

7. Morris Island, 1863. Men in uniform line the beach on both horseback and foot in this shot taken during the Civil War era.

8. Charleston, 1865. Flag raising ceremony at Fort Sumter.

9. Charleston, 1889. Earthquake damage, side view of what was then Roper Hospital.

10. Charleston, between 1880-1895. The Palace Shaving Saloon and an Auctioneer's office at 38 and 40 Broad Street.

11. Columbia, 1865. Ruins as seen from the State House.

12. Columbia - The old market built after 1865 and razed in 1913.

13. Georgetown, date unknown. Front Street is alive with business.

14. Georgetown, 1900. A view from the water with a clearly visible clock tower.

15. Georgetown, 1900. A view of Screven Street with the old courthouse on the left.

16. The Cooper River, date unknown. A group of women and children take a ferry across the Cooper River to church in Berkeley County.

17. Greer, 1908. A postcard of early Trade Street, now East Poinsett.

18. Greenville, 1902. Main Street looking North from Court Street.

What did you think about these photos? Who else would love to see the return of cable cars for public transportation? We’d love to hear your reactions to these shots. Does anything look familiar?

For more photos from the past, check out these 21 striking South Carolina photos taken during the Great Depression.