Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Dorothea Dix Hospital Authorized

On December 23, 1848, the General Assembly approved the construction of an “Insane Hospital of North Carolina.” The approval was the result of intense lobbying by Dorothea Dix, noted advocate for the mentally ill.

Bald Head Island Lighthouse Lit for the First Time

On December 23, 1794, the Bald Head Island Lighthouse was lit for the first time.

Ruth Cannon, Preservationist

On December 22, 1965, Ruth Cannon died, bringing an end to a life of extraordinary dedication to preservation and to North Carolina history.

An Arrest Over Anti-Slavery Materials

On December 22, 1859, the sheriff of Guilford County arrested Daniel Worth for circulating literature that denounced slavery.

Walter Hines Page of Cary, Editor and Ambassador to Great Britain

On December 21, 1918, journalist and diplomat Walter Hines Page died in Pinehurst.

Harper House in Hickory an Architectural Gem

On December 21, 2000, descendants of the Harper family arranged for the acquisition of the 1887 Queen Anne-style Shuler-Harper House in Hickory by the Catawba County Historical Association in order to ensure its future prese

Fort Dobbs Gets an Inspection

On December 21, 1756, Commissioners Richard Caswell and Francis Brown inspected the recently completed Fort Dobbs.  Their report to the assembly of the colony described “A good and Substantial Building” that was 53 feet by 40

Washington Duke Was Born

On December 20, 1820, Washington Duke, patriarch of the Duke tobacco empire, was born on a farm in Orange County.

New River to Camp Lejeune

On December 20, 1942, Marine Barracks Camp Lejeune was named in honor of the 13th Commandant and Commanding General of the 2nd Army Division in World War I, Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune.

Fire at Buies Creek, 1900

On December 20, 1900, a fire at Buies Creek Academy consumed every wooden campus building with the exception of a large tabernacle.