What Does Lowcountry Mean?

The south is an area rich in history, culture, cuisine, and more. However, the Lowcountry area of the south is in a class all its own. But, what does "Lowcountry" actually mean? And, where exactly is the Lowcountry located? This article is the perfect primer to learn all about this special southern term.

What Exactly IS the Lowcountry?

Merriam-Webster defines the Lowcountry as, "a low-lying country or region especially: the part of a southern state extending from the seacoast inland to the fall line..." (Merriam-webster.com) More specifically, the Lowcountry refers to a region of the South Carolina coast known for its historic cities, culture, and tourism.

So, Is it Lowcountry or Low Country?

Both! Some prefer to use the term as a single word "Lowcountry" and some voraciously defend the correct usage as being two words "Low Country". In reality, either one works so I guess you'll just have to choose which team you're on!

Where is the Lowcountry region in South Carolina?

There are a few schools of thought regarding the exact extent of the geographic region of the Lowcountry. Some include the counties of Beaufort, Colleton, and Jasper while the larger accepted area includes Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Seeing as how I'm located in the latter, I'm ok with the larger area.

Is Charleston, South Carolina part of the Lowcountry?

The use of the term "Lowcountry" in conjunction with Charleston, South Carolina is almost ubiquitous at this point. Referring to the architecture, culture, cuisine, and more, Charleston is an integral part of the Lowcountry and we proudly wear the term as a badge of honor.

What Makes South Carolina's Lowcountry so special?

History

While the Lowcountry was originally known for - and dependent on - its plantation-based crops like rice and indigo which could withstand the sub-tropical climate, the area has since developed other economic sectors with its major industry based around tourism. Tourists from far and wide visit the Lowcountry to experience its unique culture comprised of its people, historic architecture, unique southern cuisine, and natural beauty.

Architecture

In the Charleston, South Carolina area, one of its most well-known tourists draws is our amazing architecture. Lowcountry-style homes are known for their distinct designs developed in the 1700s which continue to be used to this day due to their ideal layout for the climate. 

The raised first floors to protect from tides and hurricane flooding, large covered porches for cool shady sitting areas and large windows to allow in the cool breezes are all distinctive Lowcountry touches.

Outdoors

Sure, in our warmer, sub-tropical climate you could stay inside with the AC on full blast, but when you're in the Lowcountry, the last thing you want to do is miss out on all the outdoors have to offer! Boating, fishing, crabbing, golfing, shopping, and of course the beaches are all can't miss activities in the Lowcountry.

Of course, if you stay inside, you'll miss the amazing live oaks, wispy Spanish moss, palmettos, marshlands, cordgrass, and pluff mud that are indelible landmarks of being here.

Cuisine

Lowcountry cuisine shares some characteristics of southern cooking but the geography, history, people, and resources make it uniquely its own. Strong African influences make the cuisine see comparisons to cajun cuisine. But don't get it twisted! We have our own style. Shrimp and Grits, She-Crab Soup, Crab Rice, Charleston Red Rice, Lowcountry Boil, Perlau, and Hoppin' John are just a few. Oh, and don't forget Cooter soup, a truly adventurous and frugal dish featuring turtles! 

The Gullah-Geechee People

People from all walks of life call the Charleston Lowcountry home these days but the culture of the area would be less vibrant without the Gullah community's influence. The Gullah people (or Geechee in Georgia) grew from the merging of South Carolina's Kongo, Angola, Senegambia, and Sierra Leone African slave population during its rice and indigo plantation era. With relatively little European influence, these groups merged their languages, cultures, and cuisines into the distinctive and influential Gullah heritage that still exists today.

Pay the Lowcountry a Visit

The Charleston-area Lowcountry is where I call home and I love every second of living, working, and adventuring here. If you haven't paid us a visit, you're certainly missing out so plan a trip, see the sights, and get in touch if you decide to see what Charleston area homes are for sale!