Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Matt Ransom, Confederate General and U.S. Senator

On October 8, 1826, Matt Whitaker Ransom, Confederate general, U.S. senator and minister to Mexico, was born in Warren County.

Edenton Courthouse, Built 1767 and Renovated 2004

On October 8, 2004, the Chowan County Courthouse reopened to the public after years of renovation. The majestic courthouse, completed in 1767 in Edenton, is considered the finest example of Georgian architecture in the South.

Archie Ijames, Associate of Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple

On October 8, 1973, the board of directors of the California-based Peoples Temple passed a resolution establishing a “Branch Church and Agricultural Mission” in Guyana.

Patriot Forces Defeat the British-led Loyalist militia in the Battle of Kings Mountain

On October 7, 1780, Patriot forces defeated the British-led Loyalist militia in the Battle of Kings Mountain, signaling the beginning of the end of British control in the South.  Patriots had created an atmosph

Half-Ton Pickup a Challenge for Pallbearers

On October 7, 1799, Mills Darden, a true giant among men of his time, was born in Northampton County. In his lifetime, and for some 100 years afterward, Darden was considered the world's largest man. Upon his death in 1857, it took 17 men to place Darden in his 8-foot long coffin.

Governor Luther Hodges Dies

On October 6, 1974, former North Carolina Governor Luther Hodges died.

James E. Shepard, Founder of North Carolina Central University

James Edward Shepard was very successful in business, and very active in politics and education. In 1910, he opened what eventually become N.C. Central University. The school became a public institution and the first publicly supported liberal arts college for blacks in the country in 1923.

Fire Destroys “Bandon,” Home of Inglis Fletcher

On October 6, 1963, “Bandon,” the beloved plantation home of author Inglis Fletcher, burned.

Duke Grads Nation’s First Physician Assistants

The inaugural class of graduates from Duke’s P

Popcorn Sutton, Moonshiner and Colorful “Character”

On October 5, 1946, Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, notorious moonshiner and cultural icon, was born in Maggie Valley.