Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Asheville’s Young Men’s Institute, Gift of George Vanderbilt

On September 5, 1891, George W. Vanderbilt II purchased land for the Young Men’s Institute in Asheville.

John Fulenwider, Lincoln County Ironmaker

On September 4, 1826, early industrialist John Fulenwider died.

Dorothy Counts Enrolls at Charlotte’s Harding High School, 1957

On September 4, 1957, Dorothy Counts enrolled at Harding High School, one of four segregated white schools in Charlotte to receive their first African American students that day.

North Carolina’s Original Tourism Slogan, 1585

Part of Ralph Lane’s letter containing t

Hamlet Fire Among State’s Worst Disasters

On September 3, 1991, a fire swept through the Imperial Food Products plant in Hamlet, killing 25 people and injuring 56 others in one of the state’s deadliest industrial accidents.

Fast Food Emporium Opened in Greenville, 1960

On September 3, 1960, Wilbur Hardee opened a drive-in hamburger stand in Greenville, launching what would become Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc., the fifth-largest fast-food restaurant chain in the United States.

Mile-High Swinging Bridge Dedicated

On September 2, 1952, gubernatorial candidate William B. Umstead dedicated Grandfather Mountain’s Mile-High Swinging Bridge near Linville, and his daughter Merle became the first person to cross it. 

Masterful American Artist, Romare Bearden of Charlotte

On September 2, 1911, Romare Bearden, one of the 20th century’s most important African-American artists, was born in Charlotte.

Elon University’s Beginnings Date to Nineteenth Century

On September 2, 1890, Elon College opened as a four-year liberal arts college in Alamance County.

Opening Volley in North Carolina’s Tory War

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