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SOUTH CAROLINA 1 : East - Part of Charleston; Myrtle Beach

Encompassing the northeastern half of the state's coastline, the 1st is marked by two of South Carolina's fastest growing cities, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.

Once a hub for military installations, defense downsizing hit Charleston with a vengeance in the early 1990s. But the city has since shifted its economy to manufacturing, shipping and health care, and plans have been drawn up to redevelop the closed Charleston Naval Base into a golfing academy, retirement center and inn. Myrtle Beach's economy is less diverse but no less thriving. The tourist resort welcomes 13 million visitors a year, fueling the growth of restaurants, motels, golf courses, marinas and vacation resorts.

Socially, Charleston is an emerging icon of the New South but retains its traditional, conservative base. Surrounded by reminders of antebellum history, the city is nicknamed the "Holy City" for the church steeples marking its skyline. Myrtle Beach is less traditional and has a reputation as a major destination for college students, shivering northern tourists and country music fans.

The district's demographics - white, affluent, and suburban - make it predictable Republican territory. An exception is the strong environmental and anti-development sentiment shared by many coastal residents.

Major Industry
Tourism, shipping, health care

Military Bases
Charleston Air Force Base, 4,064 military, 850 civilian; Charleston Naval Weapons Station, 70 military, 1,676 civilian (1998)

Population
581,195 (1990)

Cities
North Charleston (pt.), 54,324; Charleston (pt.), 47,519 (1990); Myrtle Beach, 25,456 (1996)

People
66% urban; 9% age 65+ (ranks sixth of six in state; bottom third nationally); 60% married couples, 30% married couples with children; 20% college educated (ranks second of six in state; middle third nationally); 57% white collar (ranks second of six in state; middle third nationally), 28% blue collar (ranks fifth of six in state; middle third nationally) (1990)

Race
78% white, 20% black, 1% Asian; 1% Hispanic origin (1990)

Median Household Income
$28,765 (ranks second of six in state; middle third nationally) (1990)

Unusual Features
Charleston Harbor home to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began in April 1861.

© 2002 The Washington Post Company