United States | South Carolina News

History Discovered: Charleston

Cradled on South Carolina’s eastern curve — carved from a network of rivers and peninsular tides — is Charleston. This charming city (which boasts colonial architecture and a harbor history) was established in 1770. Its conception echoes the evolution of America, with explorers seeking its diverse geography and consistent climate. Progress was common within the streets; and the area quickly became the most noted trade center of its time. Ships flocked to its ports, bringing influences from all over the world.

And these influences are seen still today — chronicled in the Charleston Museum.

Began in 1773, the Charleston Museum is the first of its kind within the United States. It was founded as a way to capture the changes that were occurring throughout the country (as well to offer credence to the area, branding it as more than a mere colony); and its displays now detail centuries of information.

Guests entering the museum will be greeted by diversity. Lowcountry History Hall explains the origins of Charleston, providing glimpses into Native American lives, as well as its original English settlers. The Armory offers an astounding collection of weapons and military strategies. The Civil War: City Under Siege area examines the causes of the country’s most tragic years. The Loeblein Gallery of Charleston Silver boasts impeccable examples of local craftsmanship. And the Kidstory Gallery allows children of all ages to play among the past (interactive exhibits, educational workshops and more are available).

Through the Charleston Museum individuals can experience the world as it was — and as it will possibly become. It’s a can’t-miss attraction: one of many found within the city.

Filed Under: Entertainment, History Tagged With: Charleston South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

The Right Kind Of Entertainment For Kids

Children are easy, young and easily impressed by anything around them. They are very receptive towards everything they see, hear and others do. It is very easy for them to learn all those quickly and bring it to action. Entertainment is very essential for children. It is very important for parents to understand the need of entertainment for their kids. Children must be given healthy forms of entertainments that provide distraction. There are several cases of childhood depression heard these days. It is therefore very important to divert them from mundane life.

Diversions must be healthy and age-appropriate. Keeping these factors in mind is very essential for your child. It is important that you get age appropriate movies and books for your child’s entertainment. Your child needs to learn at least something while he or she enjoys themself. Teaching kids about various values and ethics in life are very essential.

However, children will not be ready to listen to elder’s advices but will follow the ones given in these books and movies.
You must understand that playing games and sports are also a part of their entertainment. Indulge them in activities and sports. It is essential that they spend a lot of time being with kids belonging to their own age group. They must be happy and surrounded by a healthy batch. Make sure you indulge your child in family activities like dinners and family gathering. They must learn that being with family can also be entertaining. They must learn to search fun and entertainment within the family. It is important for them to realize the fun of being together with their family and being there for each other.

Therefore it is important that you don’t pick up or perform any acts which are harmful for your child. Children of all must have some entertainment daily.

Filed Under: Climate, Entertainment Tagged With: CarnivalCruiseLine, Health, United States

Crime And Human Society

Crime and society have an age old relationship. Crime is the phenomenon that keeps our society vigilant about the several antisocial elements. There are several kinds of crimes happening every day around us. There are some that we take note of, while others go unnoticed. Members of the society and criminals are not far away from each other. Even criminals are a part of the society and happen to live side by side. There are times when certain respectable members of the society turn into criminals. There are several causes for people committing crime.

During war, famines and economic depressions, the rate of crime are on a surge. There is very little money in hands of people and they are ready to do anything to have more. When begging and borrowing do not work, people take up stealing. Robbery is one of the most infamous crimes in the human society. Right from looting banks and museums to looting people’s houses, all comes under robbery. Robbers are people like us and they take up stealing thing in order to satisfy their needs and demands.

Crimes against women and children are also very common in the society. Trafficking of women and children is seen across several nations and cultures. Forced labor, sex trade and slavery are all banned by legal government of several nations, but are very heinous forms of crime. Sale and supply of drugs is also very common in the western nations. Many of these drug sellers belong to nations like Afghanistan. These drug peddlers sell and supply drugs to youth and collect war money against the western world.

It is very easy to be a part of the crime and continue with it but it is important for us to think about the consequences of our actions. Criminals must realize what they giving to the society and gaining for them.

Filed Under: Entertainment, History Tagged With: Afghanistan, United States, Youth

Cannons Fire in Charleston Harbor

January 9th is actually a memorable time–specifically for South Carolina residents. It marked the time in history when the soldiers of South Carolina took up arms, stood up, and fought the Union–which allegedly began the American Civil War.

The year was 1861 when cannons were fired on a non-military ship attempting to reinforce troops in Fort Sumter. Although most historians wouldn’t agree that this was indeed the start of the War, residents of South Carolina would stick to the proverbial guns (and not REAL guns, although in their reenactment of the event this January 9th, the guns were REAL) and say that this was the beginning of a period in history that would forever be defined in school textbooks.

It was a Saturday on the 9th when Citadel cadets recreated the event with their cannons and fired off a few shots to commemorate the occasion when a state began a war that would shape the nation to what it is today.

However, these students asked to ‘fire off’ the memories of battalions with friends and relatives facing each other on their own soil weren’t doing it as a celebration, nor simply as an experiment to mark a certain ‘holiday’. Make no mistake: these students in South Carolina were not necessarily ‘happy’ to do this. The commemoration was a solemn remembrance of the day the South entered one of the most dismal times ever faced when over 600,000 soldiers died at the point of guns held by the Union.

The school holding this commemorative event is the Citadel in South Carolina, and it’s something very emotionally important to them. Even James Elliott, a Citadel senior from Walterboro who had manned one of the cannons, stated that it “wasn’t just a game for them”, purely confident that the intentions of these historical soldiers were actually to start the war.

It’s not a light matter. And, like Citadel officials would say, it’s a matter that should be remembered.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Fort Sumter, South Carolina, The Citadel The Military College of South Carolina, United States

South Carolina: The Way It Was

: Image via Wikipedia

Remembering where you came from is important before ever knowing who you are and where you’re heading. That’s history. And every American needs to know about his or her American History–from the Revolution to the Persian Gulf War, without a doubt.

Particularly in South Carolina, history decorates that part of the original American nation with some of the accented events during the Revolution and the Civil War. From the very beginning, this is how it all started….

In 1521, the Spaniard Francisco de Gordillo explored the coast which would later be called “Carolina” to establish (however, failingly) a colony near present-day Georgetown in 1526. Furthermore, the French weren’t lucky to hit the ground either at Parris Island near Fort Royal in 1562. It was only on 1670 that the English settled at Albemarle Point on the Ashley River, but remarkably poor conditions struck them enough to move them toward the future site of Charleston, originally titled “Charles Town”.

After the Revolution, the state of Carolina, which was mostly the center of military action between colonists and British, split into two–”North Carolina” and “South Carolina”, one of three splits, the other two being Virginia (Virginia and West Virginia) and the Dakotas (North and South). That was the year of 1729. Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor was the cornerstone of the Civil War when confederates fired on the stronghold, effectively–at least to some historians, regarded as true–beginning the American Civil War. South Carolina was actually the first state to secede from the Union, creating the great divide in a nation already shadowed by so much history in so little time.

Whenever you walk through the lands deep in South Carolina, remember the history. Remember the lessons learned. Many soldiers in our American history died right under your feet. And that is what shapes your life today, is the history of souls passed on to fight for the movement of a great nation, the United States of America.

Filed Under: History, News Tagged With: Fort Sumter, South Carolina, United States

Hit the Off-Road in South Carolina

That’s not something you see everyday–is an amusement park for ATVs and motorbikes. And you’ll find it right in South Carolina, off the 77 highway and west on highway 97 leading a little road called “Brown Rd.”. It’s called the TNT Motorsports Park, Inc. If you like ripping the mud with wheels and wearing the helmets with the visors on them and full-body suits and boots, then definitely check out this veritable testosterone-driven and oozin’ obstacle course of thrills and engines.

Open seven days a week except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, whenever the desire hits you to graze the dirt with your horsepower, go for it. From beginner to advanced levels, they have everything you need to enjoy a day of ATV or motorbike riding–a Kids Track and Tot Lot for the smaller bikes and less-experienced learners, a Flat Oval for practice sessions on your ATV or bike, the Intermediate Track in case you want to up the ante on your skills, the ‘Tween Track where both ATVs and bikes play together (not for beginners), and the last and greatest National MX Track and Supercross Track for riders who’ve done it since they could learn to walk. There’s a place for everyone at TNT.

If tracks are a little too structured for you, TNT even has TRAILS! You really want riding freedom? Try the trails such as the “Pathfinder” and the “Caldwell”. The wilderness is all yours on your speed demon, free and clear.

Even better, it’s not just a day excursion at TNT. They have camping grounds and lodging, too. So bring your tents, trailers, mobile homes, whatever you like. The space is yours. But make sure to hold a spot for your prized ATV or bike.

Right in South Carolina, see it to believe it. It’s the TNT Motorsports Park, Inc., an amusement park for off-roaders!

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Christmas, Motorcycle, South Carolina, United States

Huck Finn, Eat Your Heart Out: A Trip on the Beaufort River Tour

Straight out of South Carolina, enjoy the spectacle of dolphins playing in the crystal waters of the ocean off of Downtown Marina of Beaufort, and you’ll touch on some good ol’ American Dream, coupled with that river boat adventure making you feel like a little orphan boy escaping with a Negro slave. That’s the taste of the Palmetto State, thanks to the Beaufort River Tours.

It’s a breezy trip of relaxation on the boat, running through the river and then out into the ocean to watch the sea life. But the best part of it, really, is the feeling that you have peace of mind on your own, whisked away on sheer whim. Rides on the boat do that to you, you know? On your tour, you’ll get to view the salty marshes of South Carolina as well as the osprey gliding overhead. Numerous other bird species reveal themselves to you with astounding beauty and sanctity as you almost forget time exists in the heart of the Carolina coast.

The actual boat itself is named the Prince of Tides, a 24-passenger ride, and rates are as follows: $18.00 for adults, $12.00 for children of ages 12 and under. The whole tour actually takes about an hour and twenty minutes, so the truth is you’re never bored. There’s always something to see.

When you’re in South Carolina, everything seems pure and simple, real and historical. But nothing compares to the utter silence and tranquility of the sea; and South Carolina carries it with the Beaufort River Tours, a true tourist gem marking the state as a worthwhile place to visit. Come visit one of the oldest states known to Americans someday soon and witness one of the greatest rides of peace on the Prince of Tides. Your royalty on water awaits….

Filed Under: Entertainment, News Tagged With: Negro, Prince of Tides, South Carolina, United States

A Cruise Around History

: Image via Wikipedia

We all know baseball is an American pastime. But consider some of the others: football, basketball, video games…. And of course CRUISES! Hello? Can you say “Disney”? Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean are two other major cruise companies, too.

But you won’t know the benefit of history with those cruises. Here’s what you do:

Graze the west and east coasts of the United States, and you can be guaranteed of the fact that every state along those coastlines offers their very own cruises on the ocean to give riders a taste of history. Case in point: South Carolina, a state filled with so much history that it definitely begs for a cruise ship.

And here you go: the Fort Sumter Tours and SpiritLine Cruises, still running since 1961. There’s your ticket to some of the most memorable history America has to offer.

The first thing about these 1 1/2 hour-tours to keep in mind is none other than Fort Sumter, the supposed area where the American Civil War actually began. This national monument includes a quick 30-minute tour around the coast on deck along with an hour’s time to explore the fort and its on-site museum after docking. Take a step back on the cruise, and you’re heading out to Charleston Harbor for a look at the great state from the water, showcasing attractions such as the famous Battery, Arthur Ravenel Bridge, Patriots Point, and Waterfront Park. If then you’re also interested in a romantic and/or pleasant dinner on your true American vacation, partake on a 3-hour dinner cruise with some of the best city views of Charleston Harbor, all for you including live music and the best food you’ll probably ever fit in your mouth.

When you’re done, it’s all history. But it’s not over, yet. You have plenty of South Carolina to explore. After all, it’s all history–and history makes you who you are today.

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Arthur Ravenel Bridge, CarnivalCruiseLine, South Carolina, United States

The Haunting of Holly House

Traditionally, South Carolina is known for their historical hauntings. You can find them everywhere in the Palmetto State. Just do your research. But if you get a chance to stay at a hotel, pull a Stephen King 1408 maneuver and test out Holly House and see if you can handle the ghosts there! Countless stories fill the halls of that hotel, and they’re waiting to be told. Lend an ear?

It was originally an inn that was built in 1898. Still operating today, the fact is you’d have to have nerves of steel to stay there. After all, everyone says it’s haunted…. NAH! It’s all just stories. So you want to hear a few of them?

Here are some of the stories people have told while staying at Holly House. Don’t bite your nails, and keep your Adam’s apple down. Because, remember, they’re just stories….

Generally, you’d find most of the happenings in Holly House on the second floor. Noises. And shadows. Housekeepers have reported hearing whispers in empty halls during their rounds. Not something you’d hear if no one’s there. Another story is that one housekeeper did a room on the second floor, leaving her cart right outside the door; when she finished and exited, she’d find the cart all the way down the hall….as if someone pushed it down there. Pretty scary, huh? Guests had also reported numerous times of a lady crying–even screaming. Even toilets flush spontaneously. Your characteristic haunted doors are in effect, too–opening, closing, opening, closing. Basement lights had also randomly turned on. Sometimes that could mess with your head. But the strangest story of all is this….

In Room 225, people have reported a TV turning on with no one staying in there. Spooky.

Again, just stories. But why not discover for yourself in the heart of South Carolina, the Holly House. Who knows? You might meet a ghost….

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Ghost, South Carolina, Stephen King, United States

The Cry Baby Bridge of Anderson, South Carolina

Here’s an explanation of a “cry baby bridge” (and if you’ve heard of the term, graze through this until you get to the part that really matters). You’ll find these types of bridges all over America, but what it means is a bridge that one night was the setting for a maniacal fiend to toss a little infant over the edge into a watery death. Hence the term “cry baby”. And, yes, this is essentially a ghost story. They call them “cry baby bridges” because many visitors have reported hearing a baby crying as they crossed–which isn’t something you necessarily want to hear. Sort of spooky.

Case in point: The Cry Baby Bridge of Anderson, South Carolina.

Moreover, not only are there reports of a little baby crying and screaming, there are sightings of a ghostly woman walking the bridge wearing a white old-time gown dress. Furthermore, some have also added that they’ve seen a ghostly car cross. The legend goes like this: it was one silent night when a mother was driving with her baby in the back seat until an accident occurred, which sent her and her baby in the car over the edge of the bridge to meet a watery grave–hence the reports of a woman and a baby crying. You’ll find every county of South Carolina tell you that legend, leaving the area of Anderson and the infamous Cry Baby Bridge a fanatical urban legend.

It’s like Sleepy Hollow. Almost. There’s no flaming Jack-o-Lantern and headless horseman, no petrified trees and scary owls or even Tim Burton and Johnny Depp with their crazy whimsical horror and adventure. But definitely if you’re driving down that bridge, be careful. The same legend might occur with you! (No, not really–just trying to scare you! After all, ghost stories are fun!)

Filed Under: History, News Tagged With: Bridge, Cry-Baby, South Carolina, United States