South Carolina is one of the 13 original colonies of the United States. Part of the South, its history is marked by an enduring attachment to political independence, whether from overseas or federal control. A cornerstone of mercantilism and the slave trade, South Carolina was the first state  to declare its secession; the resulting formation of the Confederate States of America started the American Civil War. South Carolina declared independence from Great Britain and set up its own government on March 15, 1776. It joined the United States by signing the Declaration of Independence. For two years its president was John Rutledge, who became governor. On February 5, 1778, South Carolina became the first state to ratify the first constitution of the U.S., the Articles of Confederation. Source: Wikipedia Featured Mueseum  Featured Museum: Cayce Historical Museum 1800 12th Street Cayce, S.C. 29033 Director: Leo Redmond 803.739.5385 SC State Museum SC State Museum 301 Gervais Street Columbia, SC 29201 Executive Director: William Calloway Museum Information: 803-898-4921 Upcountry History  Upcountry History Museum 540 Buncombe Street Greenville, SC 29601 Director: Dawn Hammatt 864.467.3100  Charleston Museum The Charleston Museum 360 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29403 Museum Director: John Brumgardt 843.722.2996 UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT 2013 BY HISTORYSC.COM ALL RIGHTS RESERVED