Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Rector Adam Empie of St. James Episcopal Church in Wilmington

Adam Empie

Honor for State’s Cherished Capitol Building

On November 6, 1973, the State Capitol became a National Historic Landmark. The designation by the U.S.

Dobbs Tabs Waddell as Indian Negotiator, 1755

On November 6, 1755, Captain Hugh Waddell was named North Carolina’s commissioner in treaty negotiations with the Catawba and Cherokees.

A Civil War Surrender Six Months After Appomattox

On November 6, 1865, the CSS Shenandoah lowered the Confederate flag and James I. Waddell surrendered command of the vessel to British authorities in Liverpool.

Two Troopers Murdered, 1957

On November 5, 1957, North Carolina State Trooper Wister Lee Reece was shot and killed near Ellerbe and, less than an hour later, Trooper James Thomas Brown was murdered near Sanford. The crimes would grip the nation.

Tuberculosis Vaccine Perfected in Asheville, 1912

On November 5, 1922, medical pioneer Karl von Ruck died in Asheville.

Governor and UNC Founder William Davie Died

On November 5, 1820, soldier, politician, and founder of the University of North Carolina, William R. Davie died at the age of 64.

Congressional Rivals Shoot It Out

On November 5, 1827, Congressman Samuel Price Carson shot Robert Brank Vance, his predecessor in the House and uncle of Civil War-era Governor Zebulon Vance.

Richard Gatling Patented the Gatling Gun

On November 4, 1862, Richard Gatling patented his 6-barrel repeating gun known as the Gatling Gun.

John Branch, Governor of North Carolina and Florida

On November 4, 1782, John Branch, governor of North Carolina, was born in Halifax.