National Park Service A Study of the Park and Recreation Problem of the United States

THE STATE'S POPULATION is predominantly rural farm, comparatively low in economic status, and well distributed over the State. The largest concentrations are to be found in the industrial region of the northwest and around Columbia and Charleston. Approximately 55 percent of the State's population is white and 45 percent Negro. Trends indicate an increasing urban population in the northwest and central sections with the remainder of the State either static or declining in population. The mountains of the northwest and the Atlantic seashore provide the State's outstanding recreational resources. Both of these sections have vacation appeal which should draw visitors from nearby States. The climate, while too hot for strenuous activities during the mid-summer, is delightful for outdoor recreation throughout the greater part of the year. Streams are badly silted. There is a wide range of vegetative cover including mountains, piedmont, coastal plain and marine species. Its greatest needs are for local areas, both white and Negro, to provide opportunities for day-use activities, and a recreation area on the proposed Santee-Cooper Lake. In view of the popularity of all types of water sports, a definite effort should be made to clear up those streams which offer the best opportunities for recreational use.

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¹ Acreage under Federal administration June 1938.

² Soil Conservation Service areas transferred to State for administration. Biological Survey acts as custodian for Federal Government.