The Carolinas were claimed by King Charles the 1st of England in 1629, and named in honor of him (which you would grasp better if you know Latin, where they called people named Charles, ‘Carolus’.)

More to the point, on this day in 1788, South Caroline ratified the Constitution, making it the 8th of the United States. Congratulations to them and Us as well.

The state amphibian is the Spotted Salamander. They live all over, because there is a lot of water to enjoy in South Carolina. Also, lots of shoreline.