The South Carolina Department of Archives & History is a must see website for those doing research in South Carolina. While some of the records are indexed with a short summary, there are some great online documents there as well.

The record groups that you can search are:

• Combined Index to Record Series, 1675-1929
• Criminal Court Records, 1769-1891
• Legislative Records, 1782-1866
• National Register Properties
• Plats for State Land Grants, 1784-1868
• Records of Confederate Veterans, 1909-1973
• School Insurance Photographs, 1935-1952
• Will Transcripts, 1782-c.1865

Another gem I really enjoy viewing is the Maps Tracing the Formation of Counties:

• Proprietary Counties, 1682
• Parishes of the Anglican Church
• Districts, 1769-1784
• Districts and Counties, 1785
• Districts and Counties, 1786-1790
• Districts, 1791-1799
• Districts and Counties, 1791-1799
• Districts, 1800-1814
• Districts, 1815-1867
• Counties, 1868-1870
• Counties, 1871-1877
• Counties, 1878-1907
• Counties, 1908-1915
• Counties, 1916-Present
• Other South Carolina Maps: Current Maps of the state

The Online Research is divided into the Online Records Index, Guide to Collections, SCArchCat, Digital Collections, SC State Government Website Archives, and the State Historic Preservation Office’s Online Research.

On their Volunteer >Opportunities section it states, ” The South Carolina Archives and History Foundation is looking for dedicated volunteers to help us do what we do: preserve and promote the documentary and cultural heritage of South Carolina. For more information about the volunteer opportunities available or to obtain an application, see the Foundation webpage at palmettohistorysc.org or contact Mary Katherine Marshall at 803-896-6124 or mmarshall@scdah.state.sc.us.”

Mr. Joe Burns, Membership Director of the Tennessee Genealogical Society, recently started using this South Carolina Website. He has found it to be very helpful in his research on his personal family history. Some of the names/locales that he has found information on is (1)Jeremiah Burns of Union District, (2)Enock Pearson of Union District, (3)James A. Finch of Spartanburg County, and (4)Tabitha Townsend of Union District. The Wills featured there have been one of the records that have proven valuable to him.

Hopefully you can use this website and also find some success in your genealogical endeavors! I think this is a great genealogical resource that I refer to often.