1. In 1769, South Carolina's Gazette newspaper published an open letter from the Sons of Liberty advocating for non-importation of British goods as a protest against taxation without representation. This was one of the earliest examples of organized resistance against British rule in the American colonies.

2. On July 18, 1863, the Confederate submarine H. L. Hunley sank the Union ship USS Housatonic off the coast of Charleston, becoming the first submarine in history to successfully sink an enemy vessel. The Hunley and its crew were lost in the mission, but their achievement paved the way for future submarine innovations.

3. In 1925, the historic Magnolia Plantation and Gardens near Charleston was opened to the public for the first time. The plantation had been in the Drayton family for over 300 years before being turned into a public attraction, and today it remains one of South Carolina's most popular tourist destinations.

4. On July 18, 1977, legendary pianist and composer Duke Ellington performed at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston. Ellington's concert was one of many groundbreaking performances that helped establish the festival as a premier cultural event in the southeastern United States.

5. In 2015, The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston was the site of a tragic shooting that killed nine people during a Bible study session. The attack shocked the nation and prompted widespread discussions about race relations and gun control laws. The church has since become a symbol of resilience and forgiveness in the face of tragedy.