S.C. Code Ann. § 27-13-20

Any citizen or alien who, prior to December 19, 1807, entered into any bona fide contract or received any grant or other deed of conveyance for or relating to any real property in this State or who derived their titles from or through aliens, either mediately or immediately, shall hold and enjoy it in fee simple or for any less estate, according to the nature of his contract, grant or other deed of conveyance, any law, usage or custom to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding; provided, that nothing contained herein shall be so construed as to interfere with or at all invalidate any grant of real property which may, before December 19, 1807, have been made by the General Assembly unto any person or any body corporate or to affect in any measure descents cast before the date aforesaid.