1. On May 13, 1780, the city of Charleston, South Carolina fell to the British during the American Revolutionary War. It was one of the biggest defeats for the American side during the war.

2. May 13, 1862, marked the beginning of the Second Battle of Charleston Harbor during the American Civil War. The battle lasted two months and is notable for the use of the Confederate submarine, the H.L. Hunley, which became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat.

3. In 1932, on May 13, South Carolina became the first state to establish a state house for black legislators since Reconstruction. Known as the "Mosquito Fleet," the 20 elected officials faced many obstacles and injustices, but their persistence paved the way for future generations of African American politicians.

4. The state dance of South Carolina, the shag, was officially declared as the state's dance on May 13, 1984. The shag originated in South Carolina in the 1940s and is considered a precursor to the jitterbug and eventually rock and roll.

5. May 13, 2005, was declared "Bill Pinkney Day" in South Carolina in honor of the world-renowned music artist who rose to fame as a member of The Drifters. Pinkney was born in Dalzell, South Carolina, and not only had a successful career in music but also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.