1938: South Carolina

Area and Population.

One of the thirteen original states, South Carolina ranks 39th in size. In population it ranks 20th, numbering 1,738,705 according to the census of 1939, 1,875,000 in July, 1937, according to a Federal estimate. The largest cities are Charleston, the principal seaport, 92,205 (1939 census); Columbia, the capital, 51,581; Greenville, 29,154.

Mineral Products.

The chief item in South Carolina's somewhat limited production of minerals is kaolin, in which it ranks second among the states or next to Georgia. The amount produced in 1938, 129,120 tons, was a little in excess of that for the preceding year. In value, it amounted to $1,053,805. This was almost half of the total value of South Carolina's minerals. There has been a marked increase in gold production in the state, from $64,200 in 1937 to well over $200,000 in 1938. The one large gold mine doubled its capacity late in the year.

Industry.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1938 the total capital invested in all industries of the state amounted to $392,826,652. This was a gain of $14,289,699 over the previous year. The total value of manufactured products for the same period amounted to $355,647,058, which was a decrease of $66,620,862 over the previous year. The textile industry was the most important both as to capital invested and value of product, the figures being $198,987,588 and $220,706,861 respectively. In 1938 the state had a total of 236 textile manufacturing plants, which had in place 5,753,779 spindles and 144,296 looms. In respect to active spindle hours and average hours per spindle the state has top rank. The mills of the state consumed 1,260,610 bales of cotton during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1938.

Second to textiles in value are lumber and timber products, which attained a total of $16,724,923 for the year ending June 30, 1938. Electricity was third in importance with a value of $15,870,164.

During 1938 construction was started on two large hydro-electric developments, the Buzzard's Roost project near Greenwood, and the Santee-Cooper project near Moncks Corner. The estimated cost of the Buzzard's Roost project is $3,500,000. Turbines developing 22,000 horsepower will be installed. It is estimated that about $40,000,000 will be expended in construction of the Santee-Cooper project. Turbines developing 213,300 horsepower will be installed. This project also includes locks and channelways for navigation. When completed these projects will increase power developed in the state by about 45 per cent.

Education.

For the school year 1937-38 there were 264,800 white and 223,949 Negro children enrolled in the public schools. Approximately $15,000,000 was spent for public school education during the year.

State Officers.

As the result of the election in November, 1938, the chief officers of the state are: Governor, Burnet R. Maybank; Lieutenant Governor, J. E. Harley; Secretary of State, W. P. Blackwell; State Treasurer, E. P. Miller; Attorney General, J. M. Daniel; Adjutant General, J. C. Dozier; Comptroller General, A. J. Beattie; State Superintendent of Education, J. H. Hope.

United States Senators:

Ellison D. Smith (reelected Nov. 8, 1938) and James F. Byrnes.