Larry's Musings

Did you know why South Carolina is called the Palmetto State?

This nickname refers to South Carolina's official State Tree, the Sabal Palmetto (Inodes Palmetto), commonly referred to as the Cabbage Palmetto.

The Palmetto is rooted in historical significance dating back to the Revolutionary War. On June 28, 1776, the British fleet's attack on Sullivan's Island, located in Charleston Harbor, was repulsed.  Under Colonel William Moultrie’s command the spongy Palmetto-log fort withstood the barrage of British cannons until the fleet retreated. 

The Sabal Palmetto Palm was added to the National Flag of South Carolina, after it seceded from the union in 1861 due to acts of northern aggression.  

 

One other small item before Lauren Grace crosses into waters of North Carolina. It evidently is a little known fact (even by most locals) that South Carolina was also known as “The Iodine State”.  Perhaps you are wondering why.   Well, I have researched it for you; it was due to the large percentages of iodine found in the vegetation growing in the state.

The chemical element iodine derives its name from the violet color of its gaseous form.  A rare element (sixty-second in global abundance), it occurs naturally as a trace chemical in certain soils, rocks, seawater, plants, and animals.  In humans, it is largely found in the thyroid gland, which secretes iodine-bearing hormones responsible for regulating metabolism.  A deficiency of iodine causes an unsightly swelling of the neck and jaw known as a goiter.  Not a good thing to have.

In the late 1920s, the South Carolina Natural Resources Commission began a public relations campaign to advertise the high iodine levels found in fruits, vegetables and milk products from the Iodine state.

Even low country moonshiners around Hell Hole Swamp jumped on the iodine bandwagon, advertising their brand of corn liquid with the slogan: “Not a Goiter in a Gallon”.  As I said before no one wants a Goiter.  So now you know