Statehood The 3rd state May 23, 1788 Captial Columbia State Motto Prepared in mind and resources Origin of State Name The region was originally named Carolana, derived from the Latin form of Charles, in reference to the British monarch Charles I. State Nickname The Palmetto State The palmetto, abundant in coastal areas, is the state tree. Interesting Facts The Saint Cecilia Society, organized in 1767, sponsored America's first symphony orchestra. The first engagement of the American Civil War occurred at Fort Sumter in 1861. The largest organized Native American nation remaining in South Carolina is the PeeDee, with a population of about 2500 in four northeastern counties.