1. South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the United States Constitution on July 1, 1788. This made it official that the state was a part of the newly formed country.

2. On July 1, 1863, the Confederate Army of General Robert E. Lee moved into Pennsylvania and began what would become the Battle of Gettysburg, which was a turning point in the American Civil War.

3. In 1916, South Carolina adopted the state flag which features a Palmetto tree and new crescent. This flag was designed by Colonel William Moultrie during the American Revolutionary War.

4. July 1, 1934 saw the establishment of the South Carolina State Park System, which now includes 47 state parks that offer hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

5. The Carolina Hurricanes National Hockey League team moved from Hartford, Connecticut to North Carolina on July 1, 1997. The team played their first game in the new location during the 1997-1998 season and have been a part of the state's sports scene ever since.