The reasoning behind the adoption of the palmetto as a design element in militia flags of South Carolina dates back to the defense of Charleston during the Revolutionary War. The walls of Fort Moultrie were constructed using palmetto logs, and as the British mercilessly bombarded its ramparts, the pliable palmetto logs absorbed the projectiles being lobbed into them from the harbor. Walls constructed of other hardwood species would have likely splintered, sending shards of wooden shrapnel everywhere and causing traumatic wounds and catastrophic casualties to the 2nd South Carolina. When the British mounted their ground assault on Fort Moultrie, they were shocked at the number of surviving defenders, and their attack was repulsed. With so many South Carolina Militias displaying the palmetto tree on their unit colors by the time of the Mexican War, 19th century author William Gilmore Simms was inspired to write a poem titled “The Green Palmetto” in homage to the militia units of South Carolina.

In January 1861, the closest resemblance to the current state flag was adopted, with both elements, the crescent shape and the palmetto, sharing space together on a single blue field. During this tumultuous time of the nation’s history, the flag’s design was filled with symbolism. In fact, some versions of the flag featured a “Don’t Tread on Me” serpent wrapped around the palmetto tree, as if to double down on the defiance of South Carolina to the national government. These earlier versions of the flag from the 19th century featured a much bolder crescent made to look less like a moon shape as well as a more rustic palmetto design. Fortunately for political and aesthetic reasons, the symbolism of the flag’s design has progressed into a modern interpretation. “Ever since the first major redesign in 1861, the symbols of the palmetto and crescent have evolved to look more like a moon in the sky with a palmetto tree in the foreground. Our current flag looks less like a symbol of defiance and more like a promotion for our beautiful beaches,” Joe says jokingly.