♪ Ned Garnier> When you look down on the state of South Carolina, it's hard not to admire its grandeur, diverse ecosystems, and natural beauty.

♪ There are countless fascinating places across the Palmetto State, each one unique, each one with its own story to tell.

♪ Now, it's time to see these extraordinary locations, in an entirely new way.

♪ This is the story of South Carolina told, "From The Sky."

♪ Hello, I'm Ned Garnier, and I'll be your tour guide in seeing this great state of South Carolina, from a not often seen perspective.

Today we're at the Congaree River in Columbia.

In this episode we'll be flying over flowing destinations just like this one, throughout the Palmetto State.

But first, let's head to the upstate and discover beautiful landscapes and rich histories in Oconee County.

♪ Oconee County, situated in the northwest corner of South Carolina, is a picturesque and vibrant region, known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

♪ Translated from Cherokee, Oconee means "Water Eyes Of The Hills."

♪ Its stunning mountain vistas, serene lakes, waterfalls and lush forests make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

♪ Aside from its serene areas, Oconee boasts a rich and unique history.

♪ ♪ Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, mainly the Cherokee, the region witnessed European exploration and settlement in the 18th century.

♪ The establishment of the town of Walhalla, by a group of German settlers, led by John Wagner in 1850, marked a significant milestone in Oconee's history.

♪ Walhalla was named after Valhalla, the Norse mythology afterlife by these German settlers.

♪ After founding the settlement, Wagner would become Charleston's 43rd mayor, and serve as an officer of the Confederate States Army, during the Civil War.

♪ One relic from that time period, Stump House tunnel, is a captivating historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the region's ambitious past.

♪ Construction for the tunnel began in 1853 by the Blue Ridge Railroad.

Its purpose was to connect Anderson, South Carolina, to Knoxville, Tennessee.

By early 1860, due to lack of funding and the brink of civil war, construction was halted, and what's left today is a tunnel leading 1600 feet into the heart of Stump House Mountain.

Though the project was never completed, it's still proved useful nearly a century later.

♪ In 1940, Dr. Paul G. Miller of Clemson College realized the tunnel's constant temperature of 57 degrees and humidity of 90 percent was ideal for molding blue-veined cheese.

♪ The project was deemed a success, and from August of 1955, Stump House Tunnel would go on to produce thousands of more pounds of blue cheese.

♪ (song ends) (upbeat music) ♪ The "Water Eyes Of The Hills" wouldn't be complete without its enchanting waterfalls.

Issaqueena Falls, nestled within Stump House Park, stands as a testament of both natural beauty and local legend.

Cascading at 100ft, Issaqueena Falls is named after a Creek Native American maiden who, according to legend, sought refuge on one of the falls ledges, during a battle.

Further down highway 28, Yellow Branch Falls offers a different yet equally mesmerizing experience.

Accessible through a moderately difficult out and back trail, this journey takes you through groves of majestic hardwoods and meandering creek bottoms.

Upon reaching the base, visitors are rewarded with the sight of a stunning 50ft vertical cascade.

Being one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Oconee County, hikers find the breathtaking scenery worth the challenge.

♪ From the picturesque Isaqueena Falls, to Stump House Tunnel, where history adds a touch to lush surroundings, Oconee County is filled with some of the greatest treasures of the Palmetto State.

♪ The Congaree is a part of a vast network of river systems that run throughout the entire state, and our next flight takes us to a winding journey of just how complex these river systems can be.

♪ (soft music) ♪ Like an intricate web, the Santee River system weaves through the state of South Carolina.

♪ It's a vital network of waterways encompassing major rivers such as the Catawba, Saluda, and Broad.

♪ These rivers provide diverse habitats, form geological landscapes, and regulate the local climate.

♪ The cultural significance of South Carolina's rivers, is deeply ingrained in the state's heritage and make up.

♪ Now it's time to explore the wonders of these rivers "from the sky."

♪ The Catawba River, extending 220 miles into South Carolina near Rock Hill, and transforms into the Wateree, as it progresses southward, ultimately forming Lake Wateree.

♪ Named after the Catawba tribe, who were known as the "People Of The River," this once wild waterway hosts a spectacular natural phenomenon during the early summer months.

♪ The emergence of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily transforms the area into a mesmerizing sea of white.

♪ This rare aquatic plant, found only in Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina, relies on specific environmental conditions to thrive, including direct sunlight in shallow swift water currents.

♪ Its delicate tendrils, extending beyond white petals, give it a spider like appearance, symbolizing the intricate web of life within its ecosystem.

♪ The Saluda River, another integral component of the Santee River system, originates near Greenville, South Carolina, and flows southeasterly for 170 miles, through the Piedmont.

♪ The river holds historical significance, as the native Cherokees, who primarily settled along its banks, named it the "River Of Corn."

♪ The Saluda River is also the site of the Dreher Shoals Dam, which forms Lake Murray, a popular recreational destination.

Originating from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the Broad River contributes to the complexity of the Santee River system.

As it flows towards the capital city of Columbia, it converges with the Saluda River, to form the Congaree River.

The Congaree River later merges with the Wateree River, from the Catawba, just north of Lake Marion.

♪ This confluence marks the formation of the Santee River, which eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean, creating the Santee Delta, south of Georgetown.

♪ As arteries of life, these waterways not only sustain diverse ecosystems, but also serve as channels for human activity, shaping the region's history, economy, and identity.

♪ For our final stop, let's head to where all the rivers end, and explore one island that offers a blend of natural beauty, and a southern charm like no other.

♪ Nestled along the southeastern coast of South Carolina, Hilton Head is a barrier island with pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and remarkable southern charm.

♪ Renowned for its distinctive Lowcountry character, Hilton Head seamlessly blends natural beauty with a rich history.

♪ Inhabited by Native Americans for over two millennia, Hilton Head witnessed the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century, with early French and Spanish attempts to colonize the island.

In 1663, Captain William Hilton, an English explorer, discovered the headland of a country very pleasant and delightful, and named the island after himself.

The first white settler, Colonel John Barnwell, arrived in 1717, initiating a plantation economy based on slavery, that endured until the Civil War.

♪ The plantation era abruptly ended in 1861, when Union troops captured the island, transforming it into a strategic base for the blockade of Charleston and Savannah, during the Civil War.

The influx of approximately 50,000 individuals, including former slaves, marked a significant chapter in Hilton Head's history, as it became a bustling settlement supporting Union efforts.

♪ (song ends) (upbeat music) ♪ The iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum stands as an enduring beacon of Hilton Head's rich maritime heritage.

♪ Located in the heart of Sea Pines Resort, the red and white striped lighthouse, soaring 90ft above the Calibogue Sound, offers panoramic views of the island's stunning coastline and surrounding waterways.

♪ Built in 1970, the lighthouse is complemented by a captivating museum at its base, where visitors can delve into the island's maritime history.

The museum showcases exhibits detailing the evolution of Hilton Head's seafaring traditions.

♪ A climb to the top of the lighthouse rewards guests with breathtaking vistas, while the charming harbor town below invites exploration with its shops, restaurants, and bustling marina.

♪ This maritime landmark serves as a living testament to Hilton Head's enduring connection to the sea, inviting visitors to appreciate both its historical significance ♪ and the picturesque beauty that defines the island.

♪ ♪ In the heart of Harbour Town, The Liberty Oak stands as a majestic symbol of strength and resilience.

This centuries old live oak, with its sprawling branches and lush canopy, has become an iconic landmark within the community.

♪ Underneath it's expansive shade, locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy leisurely moments, community events, and the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding area.

♪ Its significance goes beyond its impressive stature, as it serves as a living testament, to the enduring spirit of Hilton Head, rooted deep in the Lowcountry soil.

The Liberty Oak remains an integral part of the island's cultural tapestry, inviting all to appreciate the beauty and resilience of this magnificent southern giant.

♪ Hilton Head Island emerges as a tapestry woven with threads of history, natural beauty and cultural significance.

With its captivating landscapes, cultural landmarks, and welcoming spirit, Hilton Head remains a destination where the echoes of the past harmonize with the beauty of the present, best seen "from the sky."

♪ For more episodes of "From The Sky" and series like it, be sure to visit scetv.org and visit our Facebook @scetv using (hashtag) #fromthesky and let us know what you think of the series.

For three years now, we have been delighted in showing you everything that South Carolina has to offer from above.

And before giving our final farewell, let's visit back of all the spectacular places that we've seen together.

♪ Today, the views of the landscape can best be seen looking from its observation deck at the summit.

Constructed in 2019, the deck provides an impressive 50 mile view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Observers can catch a glimpse of three states here North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

♪ A compass rose engraved at the center, displays the state line that runs across the entire deck.

♪ When the days become shorter and the temperature begins to drop, leaves stop photosynthesizing and chlorophyll begins to break down.

During this process, green colors start to disappear and give way to the spectacular yellow, orange, scarlet, and purple colors that were present in the leaves but not visible before.

♪ This creates a dramatic and beautiful landscape across the entire mountain range.

♪ The awe inspiring natural feature is just one of the many South Carolina wonders, you can enjoy close to home.

(upbeat music) ♪ Visible for miles, the Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel brilliantly illuminates the coastline.

♪ Opening in 2011, the Sky Wheel was the second tallest ferris wheel in North America, and now has become an icon of the Grand Strand, operating year round.

Towering at 187ft, the observation wheel is the perfect place to get a view of the Atlantic and down the boulevard.

At night, over 1 million LED lights display a spectacular and vibrant array of colors.

Completely customizable, these lights have also been used to signify major holidays, honor first responders, and even announce gender reveals.

It's no wonder why the Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel is one of the most popular attractions in South Carolina.

♪ Forming at the convergence of two tidal rivers, this inlet was the epicenter for trade during the 18th and 19th centuries.

To this day, it still serves as a major port in the United States, seeing nearly 20 million tons of trade through these coastal waters every year.

♪ The most noticeable part of the harbor is what's connecting Mount Pleasant and Charleston, The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

♪ Completed in 2005, The Ravenel Bridge is the longest cable stay bridge in the United States.

Its diamond towers reach up to 575ft, connecting 128 individual steel cables.

The 2.5 mile long, eight lane bridge is crossed nearly 97,000 times a day.

♪ Annually, the bridge hosts the third largest 10K marathon in the United States.

It is the only competition sanctioned by the USA Track and Field, as an elite event in South Carolina.

♪ (song ends) (upbeat music) ♪ Hunting Island is a 5000 acre, semi-tropical barrier island that became a state park in 1935.

The centerpiece of the island is the 136ft lighthouse, located just off the shore.

The original structure was built in 1859, but was later rebuilt in 1875, after its destruction during the Civil War.

♪ It was uniquely designed in interchangeable cast iron parts, each weighing upwards of 12 hundred pounds.

During its operational life, the rotating lamp inside the lighthouse would have been visible from 17 miles.

♪ After deactivation, it was later opened to the public, and is currently the only lighthouse in South Carolina that can be accessed by visitors.

♪ Today, guests of the park can climb 167 steps to the top of the observation deck for an impressive panoramic view of the surrounding area.

(upbeat music) ♪ Near the northern coastline of South Carolina, just south of Murrells Inlet, is an outdoor sanctuary that is like no place else in the world.

Brookgreen Gardens is affectionately called, the "Floral Jewel of the Coast".

♪ When guests arrive at the entrance of the gardens, they're greeted by the Fighting Stallions.

Sculpted in 1950, the aluminum cast piece serves as a beacon to the magnificent 9,000 acre wildlife preserve and sculpture garden.

This sculpture has a twin sister nearly 1,400 miles away at Texas State University.

Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington, the creator, and her husband, Archer Milton Huntington, donated the replica in 1951.

It would be just one of many acts of philanthropy this couple would contribute to the world.

Their most prominent gift would be providing public access to American sculpture arts, by creating Brookgreen Gardens.

(song ends) From everyone at South Carolina ETV, I'm Ned Garnier and remember, the view is always better "From The Sky."

(closing music) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (wind blowing) (digital buzz) (mouse clicks) (upbeat music) ♪ >> Hey friend, my name is Ella.

♪ >> I'm your host, Andrew Davis.

Today, we will dig a little deeper into the history of these shell rings.

♪ Ned> Get ready to soar to new heights with "From The Sky."

♪ >> Now it's time to learn and discover "What's Wild."

♪ >> This is "Our Town".

>> This is "Our Town".

>> This is "Our Town", Rock Hill ♪ >> I'm Lauren Fuery.

You're watching, "Now We're Cookin'."

♪ Andrew> Buenos dias ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another edition of "History In A Nutshell."

♪ >> We are here to help somebody in their time of need.

♪ >> Today, I'm going to visit the animal shelter with my friends Ella and Jody.

♪ ♪