History of Boys State
Boys State, which is sponsored by The American Legion, was first held in June 1935
in Illinois. Today, every state except Hawaii conducts Boys State. South
Carolina began to host the program in 1940. Our program is called "Palmetto
Boys State" and was originally housed at a school by the airport in Columbia, SC.
Shortly thereafter, Palmetto Boys State was moved to the University of South Carolina.
In the 1960s, PBS again moved to The Citadel in Charleston where it stayed until
1990. Wofford College in Spartanburg was then host to PBS through 1998.
The program returned to the Citadel in 1999 and finally moved back the University
of South Carolina in 2004.
The American Legion founded the Boys State program to teach young men about government
and politics. More specifically, the program is intended to spark interest
and pride in government on a local level as well as the national scope. The
greatest aspect of the program is that the participants learn by doing. Active
participation in Boys State is key.
The history of Palmetto Boys State continues to be written. Each year, the
number of delegates to the program grows. Many exciting changes are occurring
within Palmetto Boys State. Our staff is always on the lookout for ways to
better the program. We're thrilled about our future and proud of our past.
We hope you are too!