Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

World War I U-Boat Casualty Off Cape Hatteras

On August 6, 1918, Diamond Shoals Lightship No. 71 was shelled by a German submarine while anchored off Cape Hatteras.

Enola Gay Bombadier Thomas Ferebee of Mocksville

On August 6, 1945, Major Thomas Wilson Ferebee, a U.S. Army Air Corps bombardier and Mocksville native, dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.

Ace George Preddy of Greensboro: Cripes A’Mighty

On August 6, 1944, Greensboro native George E.

Wolfpack Quarterback Roman Gabriel

Wilmington native Roman Gabriel gained fame as the quarterback for N.C. State from 1959 to 1961, where he was a two time All-American and a two time ACC Player of the Year. After a stellar college career, Gabriel was the No. 2 draft pick for the Los Angeles Rams in 1962.

Fast Start for Predecessor of Western Carolina University

On August 5, 1889, Cullowhee Academy, a private school that was the predecessor of Western Carolina University, opened with an enrollment of 18. The school quickly prospered and closed the year with 100 students.

James Dobbin of Fayetteville, Secretary of the Navy

Image from the U.S.

Camp Butner and Axis Prisoners of War

On August 4, 1942, Camp Butner officially opened. The camp spanned parts of Durham, Granville and Person Counties and was large enough to accommodate more than 30,000 troops. As the war progressed, Camp Butner's mission evolved to include the housing of prisoners of war.

Anson County Home to Soil Conservation Landmark

On August 4, 1937, North Carolina Secretary of State Thad Eure issued a certificate setting up the Brown Creek Soil Conservation District, the first of its kind in the nation.

Federal Judge John Stokes Appointed by George Washington

John Stokes

Bearded Lady, Featured in Freaks, at Circuses

On August 3, 1940, an article about Wilmington native Lady Olga, considered by many to be the world’s greatest bearded lady, was published in The New Yorker.