
The Story of a SC State Fair Icon
Special | 53sVideo has Closed Captions
The SC State Fair's "Rocket" is a popular symbol and rendezvous point for fair-goers.
“Meet me at the rocket!” Visitors to the South Carolina State Fair may have heard those famous words. Fair-goers have used this rocket as a popular rendezvous point ever since it was placed there. Before it became a rallying point for state fair visitors, it was an intermediate range ballistic missile for the U.S. Air Force.
History in a Nutshell is a local public television program presented by SCETV

The Story of a SC State Fair Icon
Special | 53sVideo has Closed Captions
“Meet me at the rocket!” Visitors to the South Carolina State Fair may have heard those famous words. Fair-goers have used this rocket as a popular rendezvous point ever since it was placed there. Before it became a rallying point for state fair visitors, it was an intermediate range ballistic missile for the U.S. Air Force.
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Anyone who has ever been to the South Carolina State Fair may have heard those famous words.
Fairgoers have used this rocket as a popular rendezvous point ever since it was placed there.
So what is this rocket's story?
Before it became a rallying point for state fair visitors, it was an intermediate range ballistic missile for the U.S. Air Force.
Designed by Dr. Wernher von Braun and built by Chrysler, this Jupiter missile's original purpose was to carry nuclear payloads.
The rocket's name, believe it or not, is 'Columbia'!
The Air Force retired 'Columbia' in 1963 and donated it to the city which shares its namesake.
It was erected in 1969 and has served as a staple symbol of the SC State Fair ever since!
History in a Nutshell is a local public television program presented by SCETV