A Brief History of the South Carolina State Flag

Upon first glance, it is easy to assume our beautiful state flag is that of our state tree and what other than a perfect crescent moon (as it’s often photographed as such). However, did you know that—in fact—it's not a moon that rests upon the Palmetto State flag at all?

Before the flag you know and love today was solidified—at least in our minds, there were several different iterations of the SC state flag.  From a white ensign with green palmetto, a blue canton with a right-facing crescent moon, golden palmetto encircled with a white background to a white palmetto on a background of blue. The colors, designs, shapes, and sizes have varied drastically throughout the years.

Adopted on January 28, 1861, by the General Assembly, the South Carolina State Flag is the original design of Colonel William Moultrie from 1775. The SC State Flag is notably the oldest state flag in the United States and was originally slated as a National Banner during the Civil War.

There are several components of historical significance that make up this bold, blue, waving beauty.

Royal Blue Color—this rich blue matches the color of the soldier’s uniforms donned during the Revolutionary War. 

The Palmetto Tree—the palmetto was used during the British attack at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island. Colonel Moultrie used the resilient palmetto logs to build a fort that would not only withstand the impact but provide a “bounce back” to protect his soldiers.

And, the final missing piece of it, displayed in the upper left-hand corner of the flag... Is it a moon, a crescent, a gorget, a warning, an emblem? There has been much debate over what it is exactly.

The Symbol—looking very suspiciously like a crescent; a moon.  This was, in fact, the same shape of the silver emblem that was emblazoned on the caps of the soldiers which read: “Liberty (or Death)!” A signal fashioned to let Charleston know when and if the British were coming during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island.  According to Roger Stroup (historian) & Dr. Eric Emerson (SC State Preservation), Col. Moultrie’s diary says the design is “simply ‘a crescent.’”

To this day, “specifications for shape, size, design & placement” of these symbols—even the exact color of background—haven't been standardized by the South Carolina Senate.

So, what the future holds for the SC Flag—who knows? You might see this beautiful flag designed by Jeannie Joyner being flown one day in the near future!

~ Kristen N. Granet