11 Quirky Facts About South Carolina That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate

We live in a genuinely fascinating state, full of history, scenery, and great food. There’s also no doubt that there are some pretty quirky facts about South Carolina. Some of these facts are so bizarre they sound made up, as though someone were trying to impress or elicit a specific reaction. Yet these fun facts about South Carolina are indeed accurate – true story. Whether you’re planning a South Carolina road trip or exploring Charleston, these quirky facts are must-know for visitors and locals alike.

1. South Carolina Produces More Peaches East of the Mississippi Than Any State

Although Georgia is known as "The Peach State," South Carolina actually produces more peaches than any other state east of the Mississippi. Nationally, it is second to California! And the coolest gas station in South Carolina is also a convenience store/butcher shop/ice cream parlor all-in-one called The Peach Stand. Yes, you can buy peaches there as well as delicious peach ice cream and more! The Peach Stand is wheelchair accessible, has free parking, and is just 15 minutes from downtown Columbia, SC.

2. Before “Palmetto,” South Carolina Was Known as “The Iodine State”

Long before South Carolina was known as "The Palmetto State," it was called "The Iodine State."This resulted from a 1920s agricultural marketing campaign that touted the state’s produce's elevated iodine levels. Strawberries, perhaps surprisingly, are a high source of iodine, and you can get some of the most delicious strawberries at a South Carolina strawberry festival. Many strawberry festivals take place in March and April. Admission is usually free, and parking is available on-site.

3. Morgan Island, South Carolina: Secret Home to 4,000 Monkeys

One of our islands, Morgan Island, is secretly home to 4,000 monkeys. The island is not open to the public and serves as a private research lab. You can view the monkeys from the water, though. Boat tours around Morgan Island provide safe viewing of the monkeys. Check local Charleston tour operators for schedules and ticket info.

4. Sumter, South Carolina: Home to the World’s Largest Ginkgo Biloba Farm

If you have room to store more South Carolina fun facts, Garnay, Inc. covers 12,000 acres. Ginkgo Biloba is used as an herbal remedy to treat many conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Garnay Inc. is a private company, but guided tours are available by appointment. Nearby Sumter attractions include Swan Lake Iris Gardens and the Sumter Opera House.

5. Charleston, South Carolina: Home to America’s First Museum (1773)

Since its founding, the museum has sought to serve as a resource for learning for people from all walks of life across our state, the country, and the world. Open daily, tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults. Wheelchair accessible with on-site parking.

6. Blackbeard the Pirate: Legendary 1700s Outlaw from South Carolina

One of the most famous pirates from the 1700s, Blackbeard, hailed from South Carolina. Take a fun, award-winning tour in Charleston and learn more about the fascinating pirate history in South Carolina. Charleston pirate tours are popular in spring and summer. Tours are wheelchair accessible and last about 90 minutes.

7. South Carolina: The Only State Without a Professional Sports Team

That's right. And we're in good company, along with Alaska and Hawaii. But this doesn't mean we don't love athletics. In fact, we more than make up for not having a pro team with staunch rivalry between fans of our college football teams. College football games are accessible to all, with family-friendly amenities and ample parking.

8. Where Sweet Tea and Barbecue Were Born: South Carolina Pride

We even celebrate our sweet tea status by having the World's Largest Sweet Tea roadside attraction in Summerville. And while there is currently no BBQ roadside attraction, we are a part of the BBQ Belt and have our own BBQ Trail loaded with great places to indulge in this delicious food. The Sweet Tea roadside attraction is free to visit and wheelchair accessible. Nearby restaurants along the BBQ Trail are family-friendly.

9. Ridgeway, South Carolina: Home to the World’s Smallest Police Station

Before becoming a police station in 1940, it served as the town's well. It's definitely road-trip-worthy! And one of those South Carolina weird facts that sticks with you once you hear about it. The station is viewable from the sidewalk. Free parking nearby – and small museum exhibits available on weekends.

10. Brookgreen Gardens: Home to the World’s Largest Outdoor Sculpture Collection

Located in Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens hosts special events and exhibits throughout the year, but the best time to visit is at Christmas, when you can experience one of the best Christmas light displays in the country. You'll need to plan, as tickets often sell out. Wheelchair accessible paths and parking are available on-site. Nearby hotels and restaurants make it easy to plan a full-day visit. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.

11. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Home to the World’s Largest Cat

Hercules lives at the Myrtle Beach Safari and has been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. He weighs more than 900 pounds and stands more than 11 feet tall. Myrtle Beach Safari is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are just $15 for children and $25 for adults, and the park offers wheelchair-accessible paths.

Which of these fun facts about South Carolina is the most peculiar? Have you heard all of them before? Are there any we missed that are more bizarre than these? Share your most obscure South Carolina trivia with us through this nomination page. And, be sure to book your tickets and plan your visit with our itinerary planner.