The Republic of South Carolina was declared when the State of South Carolina declared its secession from the United States on December 20, 1860. This was the second Republic of South Carolina, since South Carolina declared its independence (from Britain) the first time on March 26, 1776, more than three months prior to the United States Declaration of Independence. On February 8, 1861, South Carolina joined other Southern states to form the Confederate States of America. South Carolina after secession was frequently called the Palmetto Republic.