1. Charleston, South Carolina was the birthplace of the American flag. After the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a committee was formed to create a national standard, and it was in Charleston that the design for the first American flag was created.

2. The first Fourth of July celebration in South Carolina was held in 1783. A parade and fireworks display were organized by the local artillery company, and the celebrations have continued ever since.

3. South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union, leading to the start of the Civil War. The decision was made on December 20, 1860, and South Carolina officially became a member of the Confederacy on February 4, 1861.

4. Fort Moultrie, located on Sullivan's Island just outside of Charleston, played a key role in the American Revolution. On June 28, 1776, just a few days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the fort withstood an attack from a British fleet, inspiring the colonists to continue their fight for independence.

5. The Clemson Tigers football team has played on July 4th twice in their history. In 1925, they beat the visiting Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels 25-0, and in 1929 they beat the Miami (FL) Hurricanes 45-0. Both games were part of a postseason bowl series called the Palmetto Bowl.