South Carolina Geography
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Each state seems to have their own terms for breaking down the state into geographical regions. South Carolina is no different. As you research you may come across these terms. Upstate, Piedmont and Midlands and Low Country (or lowcountry). It really is fairly straightforward. The upstate is the corner of South Carolina up near North Carolina and Tennessee. The piedmont is merely an extension of the plateau that runs south from Virginia through North and South Carolinas that separates the Appalachian Mountains from the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The midlands are that same central area of South Carolina, but may not cover all the counties that border with NC or further to the Southwest with Georgia.
The lowcountry region or Low Country of South Carolina covers all of the coastal counties and coastal plain. This includes the sea islands along the coast of South Carolina.
You may also hear of the Sandhills which are ancient beach dunes that separate the Piedmont from the Coastal Plain. Also, the Blue Ridge Mountains extend down from North Carolina into the northeast corner of South Carolina.
Both North and South Carolina can claim states with a diverse range of geographies and climates. No wonder our ancestors came here!
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