1. In 1886, the Charleston earthquake, one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit the southeastern United States, occurred on August 31. It had a magnitude of 7.3 and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in Charleston and surrounding areas.

2. On August 31, 1932, the historic all-black Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina, was established. The college, founded by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, was one of the first institutions of higher education for African Americans in the state and remains a vital part of the community today.

3. In 1955, the South Carolina State Fair, a popular annual event showcasing agriculture, arts, and entertainment, opened on August 31 in Columbia. The fair has grown significantly over the years and now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

4. On August 31, 1986, the first PGA Tour event in South Carolina was held at the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island. The Heritage Golf Classic has become a signature event for the state and continues to draw top players from around the world.

5. August 31, 2018, marked the 2nd anniversary of the opening of the International African American Museum in Charleston. The museum, which celebrates the contributions and history of African Americans in the United States, has been a long-standing project in the state and is expected to draw visitors from around the world.