If you know much of anything about the Palmetto State, you're well-aware of how much history in South Carolina exists. Thanks to a few diligent folks and organizations from all around the state, there's a hearty historical digital archive of images that document the history of our great state. Today, it can be fascinating to pick up an old photo of South Carolina and try to picture what it was like at the time depicted. It's impossible to imagine how different life was back then. Looking at old pictures of Charleston, SC or old pictures of Greenville, SC is a great way to spend some time. We've gathered a few early photos of South Carolina that are quite interesting. Check these out:

1. Spartanburg (1910): This shot from Spartanburg shows overhead wires and cable cars lining the street. The trolleys here were quite popular for several decades, but the street cars were replaced by buses in 1935.

2. Beaufort (1862): This city's street is right on the water's edge.

3. Beaufort (1862): In this shot, soldiers are erecting a pontoon bridge (floating bridge) across the Port Royal Bridge.

4. Beaufort (1862): This photo is from shortly after the area was occupied by Union forces. It shows cotton being prepared for the gin on John Joyner Smith's plantation. Smith's plantation, Old Fort Plantation, spanned more than 700 acres and was one of the region's most prolific producers.

5. Morris Island (1863): This scene shows soldiers at an encampment on Morris Island during the Civil War.

6. Morris Island (1863): Here's another unidentified military camp at Morris Island.

7. Morris Island (1863): Men in uniform line the beach both on horseback and on foot in this Civil War shot.

8. Charleston (1865): All Confederate forces fled Charleston in 1865. This photo is from the flag-raising ceremony at Fort Sumter that occurred after the city was captured.

9. Charleston (1886): Earthquakes in South Carolina are far from a common occurrence. The last major earthquake to hit Charleston occurred in 1886. This photo shows earthquake damage to what was then Roper Hospital.

10. Charleston (c. 1880-1895): This old picture of Charleston, SC shows the Palace Shaving Saloon and an auctioneer's office on Broad Street. This area is now home to restaurants and bars.

11. Columbia (1865): This shot of ruins from a Civil War battle was taken from the State House.

12. Columbia (c. 1900): This old market was built sometime around 1865. It was razed in 1913.

13. Georgetown (date unknown): Front Street is alive and full of thriving businesses.

14. Georgetown (1900): This view from the water shows off the clock tower.

15. Georgetown (1900): This view of Screven Street shows the old courthouse on the left.

16. The Cooper River (date unknown): A group of women and children are taking the ferry across the Cooper River headed to church in Berkeley County.

17. Greenville (1917): Camp Sevier is filled with tents during World War I. The 30th Infantry trained here.

18. Aiken (1900): This huckster is traveling Aiken selling his wares.

It's so neat to see how things have changed over the years! Had you ever seen any of these old photos of South Carolina? If so, which ones are your favorites? If you're from an older generation, does anything look familiar? Would you agree that these are among the best old pictures of South Carolina? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If you're interested in seeing more old pictures of Greenville, SC, and other Palmetto State cities, check out these photos of South Carolina from the Great Depression.

Thinking about taking a South Carolina vacation soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.

If you’re still in the mood for more Palmetto State adventures, take a look at this video: