1. On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, British troops captured and burned the city of Washington, D.C. This event is known as the Burning of Washington and had significant consequences for the United States, including a heightened sense of national pride and the construction of iconic landmarks like the White House and Capitol building.

2. In 1895, on August 24, the South Carolina State College (now known as the University of South Carolina) held its first class session. The school was founded in 1801 but had undergone significant changes in the years leading up to the 1895 session, including a relocation to Columbia and the addition of new academic programs.

3. August 24, 1965, was a significant day in the Civil Rights Movement, as it marked the beginning of a five-day march from St. Augustine, Florida, to Jacksonville, Florida, in support of racial equality. The march was met with resistance and violence from some white residents and law enforcement officers but ultimately helped to bring attention to the ongoing fight for civil rights across the country.

4. On August 24, 1989, Hurricane Hugo made landfall near Charleston, South Carolina, causing significant damage across the state and beyond. The storm caused 35 deaths and over $10 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in United States history.

5. Finally, August 24, 2007, marked the opening of the BMW Manufacturing Plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which is now the company's largest production facility in the world. The plant has had a significant impact on the state's economy, providing jobs for thousands of workers and helping to establish South Carolina as a hub for advanced manufacturing.