Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Upper House of Assembly Meets at the Newly-Constructed Tryon Palace

On December 5, 1770, the Upper House of Assembly first met in the Council Chamber of the newly-constructed “Government House” in New Bern.

Oakdale, Wilmington’s Antebellum Cemetery

On December 5, 1854, the first lots of Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington were sold.

Desegregation of Hospitals at Issue in Greensboro, 1962

On December 5, 1962, a U.S. district court dismissed a suit against two Greensboro hospitals challenging “separate but equal” treatment in private, non-profit hospitals. The case was ultimately overturned on appeal.

Fred Olds and the Hall of History

On December 5, 1902, the Hall of History—predecessor of the North Carolina Museum of History—opened in a small room inside the old Agriculture Building in downtown Raleigh.

Pioneer Dunker, Lady Tar Heel Charlotte Smith

On December 4, 1994, Charlotte Smith, then a member of the UNC Tar Heels women’s basketball team, became the second collegiate women’s player ever to dunk.

North Carolina Approves the 13th Amendment

(Image: African American Heritage Commission Chair Harry Harrison, Historical Commission Chair Jerry Cashion, Secretary of Cultural Resources Linda Carlisle, and N.C.

Mint Sets Up Shop in Charlotte, 1837

On December 4, 1837, a branch of the United States Mint opened in Charlotte.

Omar Ibn Said Joins the Presbyterian Church

On December 3, 1820, Omar Ibn Said, one of the best-documented practicing enslaved Muslims in America, joined the First Presbyterian Church, in Fayetteville.

Bewitched from the Start

On December 3, 1679, a North Carolina law was passed directing local juries to investigate “felonies, witchcraft, enchantments, sorceries, and magick arts, among other crimes.”

Beach Music Classic “Girl Watcher”

On December 3, 1968 the O’Kaysions, a pop music group, earned a gold record for their hit, “Girl Watcher.”