South Carolina

On a humid May day in Charleston, as church bells marked the passing hours and tension filled the State House, South Carolina stood at a crossroads. Merchants, planters, and farmers waited anxiously as delegates debated a single question: should the state ratify the new U.S. Constitution—or risk standing apart from a fragile union? On May 23, 1788, by a divided vote, South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify, helping tip America’s bold experiment in self-government toward survival.

This episode traces South Carolina’s long journey from its 17th-century founding as a royal colony built on rice, indigo, and enslaved labor, through revolution, civil conflict, and economic upheaval. We explore the deep divide between Lowcountry elites who depended on Atlantic trade and Upcountry farmers wary of distant power, and how figures like John Rutledge, Charles Pinckney, and Rawlins Lowndes shaped one of the most consequential debates in early American history.

Ratification brought celebration—but also contradiction. The same state that championed a stronger Union would later be the first to abandon it. Power, profit, fear, and freedom all collided in Charleston that spring, leaving a legacy that still echoes today. This is the story of how South Carolina helped build the nation—and the tensions that would one day pull it apart.

Bear Knuckles
If you work with your hands, listen up. Introducing Bear Knuckles — the best leather gloves ever mad

 Molly Bz - Unforgettable artisan-crafte
These aren’t your average cookies. Molly Bz brings bold, artisan-crafted cookies straight to your pa

Harpoon Brewery
The shop at Harpoon Brewery is packed with exclusive apparel, cozy hoodies, stylish accessories, and

 Savorista Coffee
(find them at SAVORISTA DOT COM) crafts premium decaf and half-caf coffee with full, rich flavor—wit

Strong Coffee Company
Get 20% OFF | Promo Code: INFOGO