Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Connie Gay, Country Music Entrepreneur and Starmaker

August 22, 2016

On August 22, 1914, Country Music Association founder Connie Barriot Gay was born in Lizard Lick in rural Wake County.

Nat Turner’s Rebellion: Repercussions Felt in N.C.

August 21, 2016

On August 21, 1831, enslaved man named Nat Turner led a rebellion against white slave owners in Southampton County, Va., about 20 miles from the border with North Carolina. The governor called out the militia to end the rebellion but word of the attacks began to spread across the South. In North Carolina's northern border counties, a panic ensued among the residents.

Dirty Dancing Filmed at Lake Lure

August 21, 2016

On August 21, 1987, the blockbuster movie Dirty Dancing was released in theaters across the country.

Cherokee Code Talkers and Allied Success in WWI

August 21, 2016

On August 21, 1918, British forces began attacking German positions along a 10-mile stretch of the Western Front in northwest France. The assault was part of the World War I action now known as the Somme Offensive.

Terry Sanford, Paratrooper, Governor, University President

August 20, 2016

On August 20, 1917, North Carolina governor and U.S. Senator Terry Sanford was born in Laurinburg. As governor, he advocated for civil rights and education, led efforts to consolidate the UNC system and helped create a statewide community college system.

Stage Set for War in Hillsborough, 1775

August 20, 2016

On August 20, 1775, the Third Provincial Congress, formed to replace the Colonial Assembly dissolved by Royal Governor Josiah Martin the previous April, convened in Hillsborough.