Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show Train Disaster

On October 29, 1901, early in the morning, “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s Wild West Show met with disaster in Davidson County.

State’s Longest Plank Road Reaches Salem

On October 28, 1854, the Fayetteville and Western Plank Road was completed. Stretching nearly 150 miles west to Forsyth County, it was the longest plank road in the state.

Party of Guinean President Visited Triangle, 1959

On October 28, 1959, Guinean President Sékou Touré visited the Triangle on a two-week tour of the United States.

Anti-Slavery Leader Levi Coffin is Born

On October 28, 1798, Levi Coffin, anti-slavery leader and reputed “conductor” of the Underground Railroad, was born in the Guilford County Quaker community of New Garden.

The Ironclad Albemarle and the Battle of Plymouth

On October 27, 1864, the Confederate ram CSS Albemarle was sunk.

Salvage of the CSS Neuse from the Muck

On October 27, 1961, Henry Casey, Lemuel Houston and Thomas Carlyle began serious efforts to salvage the remains of the ironclad CSS Neuse from the Neuse River in Kinston.

George Watts Hill, Tar Heel in Cloak

On October 27, 1901, George Watts Hill was born to a prosperous family in Durham. The newborn would inherit wealth, commanding a fortune earned in banking, and over time would demonstrate an abiding sense of devotion to his country.

The Carolina Panthers Become the NFL’s 29th Franchise

On October 26, 1993, NFL owners chose the site of the 29th NFL franchise, and the Carolina Panthers were born. 

James H. Young, African American Leader in 1890s

On October 26, 1858, James H. Young was born into slavery near Henderson. Thanks in large measure to his father’s emphasis on education, Young was hired to work in the office of Colonel J. J. Young, an internal revenue collector.

Illegal Forward Pass, 1895, Set Up College Football Rule Change

On October 26, 1895, UNC fullback Joel Whitaker threw the first forward pass in football to his teammate George Stephens.