06.13.2023

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Today’s Forecast

Read up for Flag Day tomorrow

The history (and mystery) of South Carolina’s official flag

Adopted in 1861, our flag’s history is much older. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

If a picture’s worth a thousand words, a flag is a whole textbook.

Our state flag is a record of South Carolina history that experts read like a secret code. Every part carries some meaning, from hoist to fly end.

The colors

As one of the original 13 colonies, South Carolina stood at the forefront of America’s fight for independence from Great Britain. Flown over Sullivan Island’s Fort Moultrie in 1776, the earliest version of our flag mirrored the uniforms of its soldiers: navy coats and white buttons, chosen in contrast to the British redcoats.

The charge

In flag lingo, the symbol on a flag’s “field” (background) is called a “charge.” Our flag is charged with a palmetto.

Sabal palmettos absorbed 7,000 rounds of British cannon fire in the ten-hour defense of Fort Moultrie, allowing Continental forces to clinch an unlikely morale victory. As one British surgeon put it, “This will not be believed when it is first reported in England.”

The canton

A flag’s canton is its upper lefthand corner, where the stars are on the US flag. South Carolina’s bears a crescent — and that’s about all we know.

It resembles a moon, but some historians believe it’s actually a piece of neck-protecting armor called a gorget. Meanwhile, William Moultrie’s memoirs just call it a crescent. Moon, gorget, or crescent, we think it’s fun to let mystery be a part of our flag.

The local connection

The Holy City has such a long history and while we are not the capitol city — oh hey there COLAtoday — the Lowcountry has been so important in South Carolina history and it comes as no surprise that the flag was first flown here. The flag made its debut on Sullivan’s Island where it still flies on the Fort to this day.

Want to know all the details on the flags history? Check our article below detailing the history between the moon and palmetto symbols.

History of the South Carolina flag

Asked

If you could redesign the South Carolina flag what would you make it look like?

We would love to see what y’all have to say. Maybe we could design a CHStoday South Carolina flag.

Let's hear your designs

Events

Tuesday, June 13

Wave Therapy | Tuesday, June 13- Friday, June 30 | Times vary | Lowcountry Artists Gallery, 148 E.Bay St., Charleston | Free | Have a look at calming photographs of waves from a Lowcountry native.

Wednesday, June 14

Coffee and Conversation | Wednesday, June 14 | 10:30 a.m. | John’s Island Library, 3531 Maybank Highway, Johns Island | Free | Socialize with other older adults and enjoy some coffee.
National Bourbon Day Product Release Party | Wednesday, June 14 | 5-7 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | Free | Head out to Firefly to snag a limited edition Barrel Proof Bourbon Bottle.

Thursday, June 15

Open Studios at Redux | Thursday, June 15 | 5-8 p.m. | Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St., Charleston | Free | Take a sneak peek into the world of art at this event for all.

Friday, June 16

Fossil Friday with the Natural History Department | Friday, June 16| 3:30-4:30 p.m. | The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St., Charleston | Free | Channel your inner archaeologist at this hands-on fossil learning experience.

Saturday, June 17

Saturday Night Concert Series | Saturday, June 17| 4-10 p.m. | New Realm Brewing Co., 880 Island Park Dr., Charleston | Free | Head to New Realm Brewing Co. to enjoy some music and a cold beer.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

The Board of Architectural review will be reviewing the Four Seasons Hotel and 10-story WestEdge property at its meeting this Wednesday, June 14. The meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. at 2 George St. in public meeting room 1403. (Post and Courier)

Civic

Construction began yesterday on rental housing for low- and moderate-income people in the City of Charleston at 195 Romney St. Once completed there will be four housing units available, completion dates have not yet been released. (WCBD)

History

The Preservation Society is now accepting nominations for the Carolopolis Awards until September 15. The awards are for preservation excellence in five categories: exterior, interior, new construction, resilience, and pro merito.

Art

The Spoleto Festival USA will be premiering a new Opera “Ruinous Gods” during its 2024 season. The opera will be produced by Spoleto Festival USA, Opera Wuppertal, and Nederlandse Reisopera and focus on the theme of displacement. (Holy City Sinner)

Try This

Calling all local pogues. “Outer Banks” is beginning to film season four and is looking for local extras. You can apply this week to be an extra and there will be more opportunities throughout filming over the next few months. (WCIV)

Active

Thinking about signing up for a race this summer? We spoke to Dr. Joshua Lamb MD, foot, knee, and ankle surgeon with Roper St. Francis Healthcare, to learn how to best train for a race before you hit the ground running. Advice this way.*

Drink

Cheers, Charleston. Enjoy Happy Hour all week (including the weekend) at Charleston Crab House on Shem Creek from 4-7 p.m. Specials include: $2 house oysters, half off house wines, house liquors + select beer, and $5 bar bites.*

Cause

Help fuel the community blood supply with The Blood Connection and they’ll help fuel your vacation or travel plans. TBC is offering $60 in rewards for blood donors in June (mobile exclusions apply and rewards may vary), and new eGift card options — for a limited time. Find a location and donate.*

Award

🏆 Mount Pleasant named an All-America City

Mount Pleasant named an All-America City

CHStoday Mount Pleasant All-America City

Some could claim Shem Creek as one of the hearts of Mount Pleasant. | Photo by @mpeacockmedia

Mount Pleasant has been awarded the 2023 All-America City title.

This is an annual award that Mount Pleasant also won in 2010 and 2018.

The award is based on “communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues.” (From the National Civic League).

The theme for 2023 was based on youth engagement within the community. Mount Pleasant showed they exemplified this through the story of Wake Up Carolina, law enforcement youth programs, and local non-profit Just Bee.

Winning this award puts our local town on a national stage and allows for the tourism, economy, and growth to benefit from this impact.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Mia

From the editor

Hey y’all, I can’t lie one of my favorite shows is “Outer Banks” because I love watching the local spots. I am debating applying to be an extra, what does everyone think?

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