South Carolina’s flag is a state symbol seen in many locations. The palmetto tree and crescent moon combination is found on hats, shirts, cups, artwork, and a wide array of other items. The use of the palmetto tree represents the defense of a palmetto log fort, located on Sullivan’s Island.[1] As for the crescent, its symbolism is attributed to a silver emblem on the front of the caps worn by Colonel Moultrie and his troops.[2] According to the South Carolina State House website, South Carolina has many state symbols and emblems, including a state dance, music, animals, colors, language, arts, gems, fossils and more. [3] However, when it comes to what the state considers to be the “official” state flag, there is no cut-and-dry answer.

The SC State House website provides an image of what is considered to be the “current version of South Carolina’s flag.”[4] Even though this flag is portrayed on the SC State House website, this image may not be the flag you have seen on government buildings or flown in front of houses, businesses, or schools across the state.

In South Carolina, there has not been an official South Carolina state flag design for roughly 80 years.[5] The Post and Courier columnist Andy Shain writes several versions of the South Carolina state flag exist. Who knows, you may have seen some of these various designs across the state, or even right here in Charleston. Here are a few examples. Can you spot the differences?

As of Feb. 8, 2023, S. 88 and similar bill H. 3727, which outline the design criteria for an official state flag, were introduced in the South Carolina Legislature, referred to committee, and await approval.

If you are interested in learning more about the state of South Carolina and its history, there are several books available from the Sol Blatt, Jr. Law library. A few are:

• The Palmetto State: The Making of Modern South Carolina, by Jack Bass and W. Scott Poole, SC F269 .B269 2009.
• South Carolina: One of the Fifty States, by Lewis P. Jones, SC F269.3 .J66 1985.
• South Carolina: A Short History, 1520-1948, by David Duncan Wallace, SC F269 .W26 1951.

You can find other Charleston and South Carolina colonial and political history books in the library’s collection. Ask a law librarian or research fellow for more suggestions.

[1] The State Flag, Seals, Flags, House and Senate Emblems, https://www.studentconnection.scstatehouse.gov/seals-flags-house-and-senate-emblem (last visited Nov. 7, 2023).

[2] Supra.

[3] Supra.

[4] Supra.

[5] Andy Shain, SC’s flag had no formal design for 80 years. Here’s what experts say it should look like., The Post and Courier, (June 5, 2020 updated Mar. 16, 2021), https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/scs-flag-had-no-formal-design-for-80-years-heres-what-experts-say-it-should/article_d7683830-9c51-11ea-aeb7-bb22d18e4301.html.  

Andy Snow

Charleston School of Law
Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2024
Research Fellow, Sol Blatt, Jr. Law Library