South Carolina Early History

First Early Inhabitants

Early history examines the archaeological record that tells the story of the first inhabitants of South Carolina. Learn about the history and culture of the first inhabitants, and what lessons it might teach us about the early history of South Carolina.

In 1520, Spanish explorer Lucas Vásquez Ayllón explored the area near Pawley’s Island. The group took about 140 Native Americans as slaves including one man they named Francisco Chicora. Chicora was taken to Spain and taught Spanish. In 1523, he was brought back to the area to assist in establishing a colony, but escaped soon after his arrival. Following exploration of the coast in 1521 by Francisco de Gordillo, the Spanish tried unsuccessfully to establish a colony near present-day Georgetown in 1526. The French also failed to colonize Parris Island near Fort Royal in 1562 with the assistance of the Cusabo Indians.