What is History?

History is a story, or narrative, about individuals who lived in a particular place, and how over time they built or destroyed a society. In the process they developed ideas and institutions. The story is about real, flesh-and-blood people. Some were good, and some were bad. Some were wise, and some were foolish. A few made a difference great enough so that we remember their names. Most did not. All are important to the story. History, then, must have four elements (1) story, (2) people, (3) time, and (4) place

Writing Your Own History

This book contains the story of South Carolina as part of the history of the United States according to one historian, or writer of history. Archie Vernon Huff, Jr., the writer of this book, had the help of other historians who have written about the United States and the state of South Carolina. You will be studying the story as it is written in this book; you may even learn it word for word, if you choose. But that is not the important thing. As the great American Carl Becker put it, you must re-tell the story as you see it. You must become your own historian. You begin by learning the facts—something about the people, the places, and the events. Then you must put the story together for yourself, with some help, of course, from your teacher, your classmates, and other historians.

This book has the necessary tools for you to do just that. There are some questions at the end of each chapter to help you begin. There are accounts written by people who took part in the events of the story. There are pictures of important places to visit. Your teacher will have other suggestions. All these things will help you put the story together for yourself. It is not always easy or fun. But it is an adventure, and it will help you understand what it means to be an American and a South Carolinian.