Believe it or not, South Carolina's State Waltz is a song – not a dance. The music, evolved over a period of perhaps 250 years or more, has been passed down by ear from generation to generation in the Richardson family.

SCIway interviewed Gretchen Huggins, who is a member of the large Richardson family, and she told us a few stories about the history of her family and the Richardson Waltz.

Our State Legislature adopted the waltz as a symbol of the Palmetto State in 2000. Act 389 was adopted June 22, 2000; signed by governor July 21, 2000. Bill reads: "This waltz is a beautiful and soulful melody, is a memento of the musical tradition of the Richardson family, has for many generations played an unofficial but important role in the musical history of South Carolina, and is deserving of designation as the Official State Waltz."