October 12 is an important date in South Carolina history, as it marks several significant events and milestones. Here are five interesting facts about this date:

1. Spanish Settlement in South Carolina - On October 12, 1526, the first European settlement in what is now South Carolina was established by Spanish explorer Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón. The settlement, called San Miguel de Gualdape, was located near Winyah Bay, but it only lasted a few months due to disease and conflict with local tribes.

2. Battle of Kings Mountain - On October 12, 1780, the Revolutionary War Battle of Kings Mountain took place in northwest South Carolina. Over 900 patriots led by Isaac Shelby, John Sevier, and William Campbell defeated a force of around 1,100 Loyalists led by Patrick Ferguson, a British Army officer. The battle was a crucial turning point in the Southern campaign of the war.

3. Hurricane Hugo Hits Charleston - On October 12, 1989, Hurricane Hugo made landfall near Charleston as a Category 4 storm. It caused widespread destruction, including damaging or destroying over 15,000 homes and killing over 20 people. The hurricane caused over $7 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest storms in U.S. history.

4. Construction of the Columbia Canal Begins - On October 12, 1824, construction began on the Columbia Canal, which was intended to provide transportation and water power for the growing city of Columbia. The canal was completed in 1828 but was largely replaced by hydroelectric power in the early 20th century.

5. Clemson University Founded - On October 12, 1889, Clemson University was officially founded as Clemson Agricultural College. The school was established under the Morrill Act of 1862, which provided federal funding for land-grant colleges. Today, Clemson is a major public research university with over 25,000 students.