3-2-1: Army women, a 500 yr old tree, and a trusted advisor of FDR
For South Carolina history lovers far and wide! Each weekly newsletter contains includes (3) upcoming SC history events, (2) SC history fun facts, and (1) quote from an SC historical figure.
Dear reader,
I am so excited to launch this South Carolina History Newsletter and I can’t believe this is my very first post on Substack! Woohoo! My name is Kate Fowler and I live in Greenville, South Carolina. A lifelong history lover, I started this newsletter as a way to learn more about the great state where I live, share my findings, and build a community of fellow South Carolina history lovers (like you!). I’m so happy you found me. Always feel free to reply to this email with your ideas and suggestions. I’m only a click away.
And now, let’s learn some South Carolina history!
Yours truly,
Kate
3 ➳ Upcoming SC History Events
The South Carolina Historical Society is launching its Winter Lecture Series and the topics look very exciting! And while you can attend these lectures in person in Charleston, I’m grateful that they have provided virtual tickets for those of us who with not be within driving distance.
I.
Tuesday, February 13th, 6:00-7:00 pm EST | South Carolina Historical Society, Charleston, SC | "Seven Things You May Not Know about the Battle of Sullivan’s Island" presented by Dr. C.L. Bragg, Author | Click here for in-person & virtual tickets
II.
Tuesday, February 20th, 6:00-7:00 pm EST | South Carolina Historical Society, Charleston, SC | "Remember Me, That I Am Not Forgotten:” Army Women, the Revolutionary War, and American Memory" presented by Riley Sutherland, Ph. D. Candidate at Harvard University | Click here for in-person & virtual tickets
III.
Tuesday, February 27th, 6:00-7:00 pm EST | South Carolina Historical Society, Charleston, SC | “The Battle of Camden and the Recovered Soldiers” by Major Rick Wise, Military Historian | Click here for in-person & virtual tickets
2 ➳ SC History Fun Facts
I.
Just outside of Charleston is one of America’s oldest trees, The Angel Oak. The tree is over 500 years old and it’s majestic branches span over 187 feet. Think about it: this tree is twice the age of America! 500 years ago, explorers were just starting to sail to North America for the first time. Also crazy to think about: The Angel Tree is the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi River. Admission is free to see the tree and I’ve heard it’s well worth the trip. Here’s more information on how to visit.
II.
Spill the tea! South Carolina was the home of America’s first commercial tea farm, and it is the birthplace of the state’s most iconic drink, sweet tea! With whole towns celebrating the delicious drink each year (hey Summerville!), you would think that sweet tea was SC’s state drink, but it’s not. It’s MILK! Yes, that’s right. SC is home to many dairy farms (shoutout to Happy Cow Creamery in Pelzer, SC), and it is estimated that there are roughly 14,000 milk cows in the state.
1 ➳ Quote from an SC historical figure
I.
“I leave you love. I leave you hope. I leave you the challenge of developing confidence in one another. I leave you a thirst for education. I leave you a respect for the use of power. I leave you faith. I leave you racial dignity. I leave you a desire to live harmoniously with your fellow men. I leave you finally, a responsibility to our young people.”
― Mary McLeod Bethune
Who is Mary McLeod Bethune? Born on July 10, 1875 near Maysville, South Carolina, and the daughter of formerly enslaved parents, “Mary Jane McLeod Bethune became one of the most important Black educators, civil and women’s rights leaders and government officials of the twentieth century. The college she founded, Bethune-Cookman University, set educational standards for today’s Black colleges, and her role as an advisor to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave African Americans an advocate in government.” (Source & read more at WomensHistory.org)
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