South Carolina State Tapestry

(A354, R432, H4911)

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-702 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE TAPESTRY "FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA" AS THE OFFICIAL STATE TAPESTRY.

Whereas, the tapestry "From the Mountains to the Sea" was custom designed and authorized by the South Carolina Cotton Museum; and

Whereas, the tapestry is one hundred percent cotton woven with pride in South Carolina; the overall size is fifty-four inches wide by seventy-two inches long; and represents all regions of the Palmetto State from the mountains to the sea; and

Whereas, the top left hand corner honors the State Flower, the Yellow Jessamine, which is found in every corner of the State and was officially adopted by the General Assembly on February 1, 1924; and

Whereas, the top right hand corner features the State Bird, the Carolina Wren, which is present in all areas of the State from the highest mountains to the sea. The Carolina Wren has been our official bird since 1962; and

Whereas, at the bottom left hand corner our State Tree, the Palmetto, proudly stands. Commonly known as the Cabbage Palmetto, this tree is historical in South Carolina and makes history by being represented on the State Flag as well as the State Seal. The Palmetto Tree was officially approved on March 17, 1939; and

Whereas, at the bottom right hand corner proudly displayed is the beloved State Flag. The blue color and the crescent date back to 1775 with the Palmetto Tree being added officially on January 28, 1861. Thus was created the treasured State Flag, that we so proudly salute today; and

Whereas, center stage, up front, taking the place of honor we see the State Seal of South Carolina. 1776 was a great year for our State as the Constitution of South Carolina was passed; the battle at Sullivans Island was fought; the Declaration of Independence was signed; and the State Seal was ordered made; and

Whereas, featured directly below stands one of the "Most Notable Buildings of the World", our majestic State House. The construction began December 15, 1851, and the last renovation was completed in 1998; and

Whereas, around the top you see balloons racing in the mountains and at the bottom the shaggers are featured. The Shag was designated as the State Dance in 1984; and

Whereas, to the left of the Seal is a representation of higher education and immediately below is one of the major attractions of South Carolina -- horse racing; and

Whereas, next, representing the many wonderful museums of South Carolina is the South Carolina Cotton Museum and featured next is basket weaving, a labor of love; and

Whereas, across is a replica of the gates to the Mary McLeod Bethune Park which honors the black educators of our State; and

Whereas, above this is one of the many sculptures found throughout the State; and

Whereas, to the right of the seal we see NASCAR racing and PRT's state motto, "SMILING FACES-BEAUTIFUL PLACES". Below is our number one tourist attraction, golf; and

Whereas, featured prominently, one of the favorite pastimes, fishing on one of the many beautiful lakes throughout our State; and

Whereas, featured next, one of the stately plantation homes which are dotted from the "Mountains to the Sea"; and

Whereas, the entire State of South Carolina is represented in this tapestry and should make each of us proud to be a part of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Official state tapestry designated

SECTION 1. Chapter 1, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-1-702. The tapestry, 'From the Mountains to the Sea', is designated as the official state tapestry."

Time effective

SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Ratified the 8th day of June, 2000.

Approved the 14th day of June, 2000.