1. In 1856, the first railroad in South Carolina opened between Charleston and Hamburg. This led to increased accessibility and trade in the state, helping to boost its economy.

2. On May 29, 1911, the South Carolina State House was completed, after several years of construction. The iconic building is situated in the heart of Columbia and is the seat of government for the state.

3. In 1919, a solar eclipse passed over South Carolina on May 29, drawing thousands of tourists to the state to view the rare event. This was one of the first times that an eclipse had been scientifically studied in the United States.

4. May 29, 1940, marks the birth of musician and songwriter, Levon Helm, in Elaine, Arkansas. He later moved to Woodstock, New York, where he played drums and sang for The Band, a popular rock group in the 1960s and 70s.

5. On May 29, 1953, the Carolina Cotton Mill in Spartanburg, South Carolina, was destroyed by a massive fire. The mill had been a major employer in the area, and the loss of the building and equipment was devastating for the local community.