Year Adopted: 1861

The General Assembly adopted the current version of South Carolina’s flag on January 28, 1861. This version added the Palmetto tree to the original design by Colonel William Moultrie in 1775 for use by South Carolina troops during the Revolutionary War. Colonel Moultrie chose a blue color which matched the color of their uniforms and a crescent which reproduced the silver emblem worn on the front of their caps. The palmetto tree symbolized Colonel Moultrie's heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan's Island against the attack of the British fleet on June 28, 1776. (ref; scstatehouse.gov, Seals, Flags and Emblems)

South Carolina is one of the original thirteen colonies. More Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes were fought in South Carolina than any other state. South Carolina ratified the United States Constitution on May 23, 1788, becoming the eighth state to enter the union. (statelibrary.sc.gov, History) The prime two Revolutionary War South Carolina flags were the Fort Moultrie / Liberty flag and the Cowpens Flag.