This scene represents the battle fought on June 28, 1776, between defenders of the unfinished fort on Sullivan's Island, and the British Fleet.

Beneath that is enscrolled another of the alternate state mottoes, "Meliorem Lapsa Locavit" ("Having Fallen, She Has Set Up a Better One") with the date of 1776.

Surrounding the image, at the top, is "South Carolina", and below, is Animis opibusque parati ('Prepared in mind and resources').

The other image on the seal depicts the Roman goddess Spes walking along a shore that is littered with weapons.

The full achievement of the state, adopted soon after the seal, consists of the arms above, along with a personification of Liberty holding a Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath on the left, as well as a Continental soldier on the right, as supporters.