Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Old Claremont and Education in Hickory

On August 25, 1880, North Carolina granted a charter to Claremont Female College in Hickory. The school, founded by the Evangelical and Reformed Church, started in an old church building.

North Carolina’s Milestone Move Toward Self-Government, 1774

First Provincial Congress - In America to be called and held in defiance of British orders met in this town, Aug.

Little Eva and “The Locomotion”

On August 25, 1962, Little Eva hit the top of the charts with her recording of "The Loco-Motion". Eva Narcissus Boyd, fresh from her home in Belhaven, can be said to have been in the right place at the right time.

Kenan-Flagler Wedding at Liberty Hall

On August 24, 1901, Mary Lily Kenan, daughter of Captain William Rand Kenan, married multimillionaire Henry M. Flagler at Liberty Hall in Duplin County.

Dolley Madison and the British Assault on the White House, 1814

On August 24, 1814, Dolley Madison rescued several important state documents and a now-famous oil portrait of George Washington from the White House as Washington, D.C., was being burned by invading British forces.

The Lost State of Franklin

On August 23, 1784, the State of Franklin declared its independence from North Carolina. The independence would prove to be short-lived.

Duke’s Sonny Jurgensen, Key Player for the Washington NFL Team

On August 23, 1934, legendary quarterback Christian Jurgensen, was born in Wilmington. Known to the world as Sonny, the spirited and redheaded Jurgensen is considered one of the all-time best passers in pro football history.

Alleghany, Ashe, Avery: Top Christmas Tree Producers

On August 23, 2005, the Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) was adopted as the official state Christmas tree of North Carolina.

The Nursing Profession and Mary L. Wyche

On August 22, 1936, pioneering nurse Mary L. Wyche died. Wyche was chiefly responsible for establishing nursing as a profession in North Carolina.

North Carolina’s “Year Without a Summer,” 1816

On August 22, 1816, a heavy frost was recorded in the state.