Page 5 - Welcome to South Carolina
P. 5
Local Government, Laws, and Religious Freedoms
Originally, South Carolina was a proprietary colony owned by the Lords
Proprietors of Carolina. In 1729, South and North Carolina both became royal
colonies when seven of the Lords Proprietors sold all their interests in North and
South Carolina to the Crown. The Fundamental Constitution was not adopted by
the colonists and led to protest and fighting. In 1748, South Carolina governor
informed the Crown that it no longer had power in the colony. In 1788, South
Carolina became the 8th colony to join the United States.
Settlers of South Carolina were guaranteed “full and free Liberty of
Conscience.” Religious tolerance was used to invite settlers to the land. They were
told they would not be taxed for the Anglican Church. This policy attracted all
types of people like Dissenters, Presbyterians, Baptists, and others. Slaves also had
their own forms of religion.
This picture shows a gathering of leaders in Charleston, a central city of the local
government.
