Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Women of Edenton Resolve to Forego English Tea, 1774

On October 25, 1774, women in Edenton resolved to stop buying English tea and cloth to protest taxation without representation. The event became known as the Edenton Tea Party.

Carl Durham, Champion of Pharmaceutical Reform

On October 26, 1951, President Harry S. Truman signed the Durham-Humphrey Amendment to the 1938 Food, Drugs and Cosmetic Act into law. Cosponsored by North Carolina native Rep. Carl T.

Durham’s Malcolm X Liberation University

On October 25, 1969, the Malcolm X Liberation University opened in Durham.

Cue Sport Champion Luther “Wimpy” Lassiter

On October 25, 1988, professional pool player Luther Lassiter died while practicing the sport he loved at his Elizabeth City home.

Robert Lee Vann of Ahoskie, Prominent Newspaperman

On October 24, 1940, African American editor, lawyer and civil rights advocate, Robert Lee Vann died at the age of 59. Among the nation’s most prominent black journalists for 30 years, Vann was born ou

First Rural Free Delivery Mail Service Starts in Rowan County

On October 23, 1896, the first rural free delivery, or RFD mail service in North Carolina was established in the small community of China Grove, near Salisbury in Rowan County.

Baron von Graffenried and the Swiss Colony of New Bern

An image of von Graffenreid from Tryon Palace

Painter Elliott Daingerfield of Fayetteville, Blowing Rock and NYC

Painter Elliott Daingerfield was raised in Fayetteville. His work is featured in some of leading museums of the South and the nation, including the N.C. Museum of Art in Raleigh, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Smithsonian American Museum Art in Washington, D.C.

George Washington Makes Nathanael Greene Commander of the Southern Army

On October 22, 1780, General George Washington ordered Major General Nathanael Greene to assume command of the southern army.

C. A. Penn and the Lucky Strike Brand

On October 22, 1931, Charles Ashby Penn, developer of Lucky Strike cigarettes, died.