1. The American Civil War impacted February 8 in South Carolina history as it was on this day in 1865 that Union forces captured the Confederate capital city of Columbia, which was a significant turning point in the war.

2. On February 8th, 1872, the first public school for African Americans was established in Charleston, South Carolina, making it an important day for educational equality in the state.

3. In 1968, South Carolina’s first state-supported alcohol and drug treatment center, the William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute, was dedicated on February 8th, providing much-needed resources for those struggling with addiction.

4. On February 8th, 1980, the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) was first held in Charleston, South Carolina. This event has since grown to become one of the largest wildlife art and nature events in the nation.

5. In 2003, on February 8th, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford signed a bill designating the Sumter National Forest as the Oconee State Park wilderness area, preserving the area’s natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.