Find Out the First Miss America Winner from Your State

#40: Miss South Carolina, 1957 — Marian McKnight

Marian McKnight became South Carolina’s first Miss America when she won the national crown in 1957. Born in Manning, she was celebrated for her elegance and charm, as well as her strong academic achievements. Her Southern grace helped her stand out in a highly competitive field.

After her reign, McKnight worked in television and theater, eventually marrying actor Gary Conway. Her win marked the beginning of South Carolina’s strong legacy in the pageant, as the state went on to produce several more winners in later decades.