Charleston Earthquake
Charleston, South Carolina, experienced a major earthquake (measuring 7.6 on the Richter Scale) in 1886. The first major earthquake recorded in the eastern United States, it killed about one hundred people. The people of Charleston found unique ways to repair damage to their homes. Idea: Children could find out how and why earthquakes occur at the very interesting USGS site at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/.
Stono’s Rebellion began in 1793 near the Stono River in South Carolina. A group of slaves tried to escape, but eventually the slave owners found them. This rebellion was one of the 250 documented uprisings in slavery.
Confederate States of America came into being in 1861. Representatives from seven states (Texas, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia) met in Montgomery, Alabama, to start the formation of the Confederacy.
Opera was first performed in America in 1735 in Charleston, South Carolina. Colley Cibber wrote the opera, Flora; or Hob in the Well. Idea: Children could learn about the components of opera.
Fort Sumter Today
Civil War began in 1861 when Confederate troops attacked Fort Sumter near Charleston, South Carolina. Children can view images of Fort Sumter today and the fort during the Civil War at: http://www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm. Children could color on a map the states that became the Confederacy, the states that remained in the Union, and the areas that were not states then. The Civil War ended April 9, 1865.
South Carolina State Flag
South Carolina became the eighth state of the United States by ratifying the Constitution in 1788. It was named in honor of King Charles II. “Carolus” is Latin for Charles. Columbia is the state capital. South Carolina ranks 23rd in population and 40th in area. Its nickname is the Palmetto State, and its leading sources of income are tobacco, rice, and textiles. Children could visit an internet site at: South Carolina. They could also find out what a palmetto is.
Marquis de Lafayette landed near Charleston, South Carolina, in 1777 to help train patriot forces. Nineteen years old, he became a major-general in the American army without pay. He worked closely with American soldiers, and he also helped America’s cause among the French. After the American Revolution he returned to France to help his own country establish a democracy. Children can learn more from the Liberty’s Kids series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCFnDuouqxM.