1. South Carolina's First State Capitol was Destroyed by Fire
On December 2, 1865, the first state capitol of South Carolina was destroyed by fire. The Capitol Building was built in 1790, and it served as South Carolina's statehouse until its destruction in 1865. The fire is believed to have been set by arsonists during the end of the American Civil War.

2. South Carolina Seceded from the Union
On December 2, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union. The state's secession led to the formation of the Confederacy and contributed to the start of the American Civil War.

3. John C. Calhoun's Birth Anniversary
On December 2, 1782, John C. Calhoun was born in Abbeville, South Carolina. Calhoun was an American statesman and politician who served as Vice President of the United States under both John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. He was also a strong supporter of states' rights and helped lead the South Carolina Nullification Crisis.

4. Charleston City Hall Opened
On December 2, 1802, the Charleston City Hall officially opened for business. The building is located in the heart of the city's historic district and is still used today as the Charleston City Council Building.

5. The First African American Mayor of Charleston Elected
On December 2, 1975, Joseph P. Riley Jr. was elected as the first African American mayor of Charleston, South Carolina. Riley served as mayor for over 40 years and helped transform Charleston into a thriving tourist destination while promoting racial and social justice.