1. On September 8, 1936, the "Great Charleston Hurricane" made landfall in South Carolina, causing extensive damage and claiming over 200 lives. The storm caused widespread flooding and destroyed many homes and businesses in low-lying areas.

2. In 1943, the US Army established the Greenville Army Air Base in South Carolina, which played a critical role in training pilots during World War II. The base was later converted into the Greenville Downtown Airport and is still in operation today.

3. On September 8, 1961, Hurricane Carla struck the Texas Gulf Coast, causing severe damage and claiming over 50 lives. Although the storm did not directly affect South Carolina, it is notable for being one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record.

4. In 1974, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team opened its season on September 8 with a 31-6 victory over the University of Virginia Cavaliers. The win helped to set the tone for a successful season for the Gamecocks, who finished with a record of 7-4.

5. On September 8, 1985, South Carolina Governor Richard Riley announced that the state would establish the South Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, a residential high school for gifted students. The school, which opened in 1988, is still in operation today and has been recognized as one of the top public schools in the country.