One of the 13 original colonies, South Carolina has a long and storied past. Of course, the state’s history is both complicated and nuanced, and definitely worth learning more about. Over the years, however, South Carolina has evolved into what it is today: a proud Southern state full of history and beauty. We found some video footage of South Carolina from the 1950s, and it really captures the spirit of the era. It’s simultaneously timeless, yet also feels like a whole other world. A decade of immense change and transformation, you might not even recognize South Carolina when you watch this historical footage from the 1950s.
There’s an undeniable regality to South Carolina, and this is perhaps best captured at the South Carolina State House.
travelfilmarchive/YouTube One of the most historic places in the state, this iconic Columbia building is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful state houses in the U.S.
Columbia has long been a buzzing South Carolina metropolis, touted as an ideal place to visit and vacation.
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But of course, when you think of vacationing in South Carolina, it’s all about the beaches.
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Myrtle Beach has long been one of South Carolina’s most popular vacation destinations, though it looked a little different back in 1950.
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Less crowded and commercial, the Myrtle Beach of the 1950s could easily be mistaken for Hawaii!
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And South Carolina’s golf course game has always been strong, with courses all throughout the state.
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Winthrop University was founded In 1886 as a women’s teaching college. It was originally segregated, too.
travelfilmarchive/YouTube The college was segregated until 1964, and it became fully coeducational in 1974.
South Carolina is known for its higher-learning institutions, with Clemson one of its most esteemed.
travelfilmarchive/YouTube Founded in 1893 as Clemson Agricultural College, it was a place to educate new generations of South Carolina farmers and entrepreneurs.
There’s a pastoral quality to South Carolina in the 1950s that’s really quite beautiful.
travelfilmarchive/YouTube (However, it’s nice we’ve moved away from eight-year-olds operating heavy farm equipment…)
The state’s neighborhoods are peak 1950s: planned suburban communities with total “Pleasantville” vibes.
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And in South Carolina’s bigger cities, the architecture has always been on a whole other level.
travelfilmarchive/YouTube One of Charleston’s most spectacular streets, Battery Avenue has always been a favorite place to take a stroll or carriage ride.
And the point at which the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet to flow into the Atlantic has long been a favorite for Charlestonians.
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From the 1950s to today, a lot has changed in the state. And change is a good thing.
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But the qualities South Carolina has long been known for: Southern hospitality, beautiful beaches, welcoming people – those remain a constant.
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The Palmetto State is a beautiful, wondrous place, with a magnetic quality that really pulls people in. From its bayous and beaches, to cities and attractions, the state has always been a natural beauty, and we hope you enjoy watching this South Carolina 1950s video footage as much as we did!
travelfilmarchive/YouTube
One of the most historic places in the state, this iconic Columbia building is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful state houses in the U.S.
The college was segregated until 1964, and it became fully coeducational in 1974.
Founded in 1893 as Clemson Agricultural College, it was a place to educate new generations of South Carolina farmers and entrepreneurs.
(However, it’s nice we’ve moved away from eight-year-olds operating heavy farm equipment…)
One of Charleston’s most spectacular streets, Battery Avenue has always been a favorite place to take a stroll or carriage ride.
If you’re curious to learn more about South Carolina, definitely check out these 16 lesser known facts about The Palmetto State!
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Address: South Carolina, USA
