1. South Carolina's First Colonists Arrived on January 1, 1670

The first permanent English settlement in South Carolina began on January 1, 1670. The group of settlers, led by Captain William Sayle, established the town of Charles Town on the west bank of the Ashley River, near present-day Charleston. While there had been earlier attempts at colonization in the region, this group is considered the first successful English settlement in the area.

2. Emancipation Proclamation Took Effect on January 1, 1863

January 1, 1863, is remembered as the day the Emancipation Proclamation took effect. While this did not immediately free enslaved people in the Confederacy, it signaled a significant shift in the Civil War's purpose and paved the way for the 13th Amendment, which eventually abolished slavery throughout the United States.

3. The South Carolina State House Opened on January 1, 1903

After years of planning and construction, the South Carolina State House officially opened on January 1, 1903. Prior to this, the state government had used various building sites for its offices and meetings, but with the growing population and need for more centralized government, a grand State House was deemed a necessity.

4. January 1 is Cited in the State Motto

South Carolina's state motto is "Dum spiro spero," which translates to "While I breathe, I hope." This phrase is believed to have been coined by the Roman philosopher Cicero and was included in a letter from John C. Calhoun to his friend Charles Pinckney. The letter was written on January 1, 1848, and the phrase ultimately became the state's official motto in 1776.

5. January 1 is a Key Date for Several South Carolina Industries

January 1 is a significant date for several industries in South Carolina. In the textiles industry, it is the start of the annual quota for exporting cotton towels to Canada. In the shrimping industry, January 1 is the official start of the shrimping season, which runs through December 31. And in the hunting community, January 1 marks the beginning of the state's duck hunting season.