Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

North Wilkesboro and the Roots of NASCAR

On May 18, 1947, the North Wilkesboro Speedway opened its doors to a crowd of more than 10,000 spectators who watched Fonty Flock win the first official race held there.

Joseph McDowell, Not to Be Confused with Joseph McDowell

On May 18, 1795, Revolutionary War veteran Joseph McDowell died in Burke County at the age of 38.

Regulator James Few Hanged

Regulators Hanged: After the Regulators were defeated at Alamance. May 16, 1771. Six of their number were hanged. 1/4 mile east. June 19, 1771.

Olympic Medalist Leonard No Match for Camacho

On May 17, 1956, Olympic gold medalist and professional boxer Charles Ray “Sugar Ray” Leonard was born in Wilmington.

Women’s Education in North Carolina Began at Salem

On May 16, 1804, Salem Academy opened the doors of its new dormitory, South Hall, to students and officially transitioned from a day school to a boarding school.

Gov. Tryon Takes on the Regulators at Alamance

On May 16, 1771, the Battle of Alamance was fought.

St. Augustine’s Bishop Delany and His Carolinas-Wide Charge

On May 15, 1918, Henry Beard Delany became the first black Episcopal bishop in North Carolina and only the second in the United States.

Raleigh Broadcaster Tangled with Former First Lady

On May 15, 1950, W. E. Debnam published Weep No More, My Lady, his response to former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s newspaper column earlier that year.

Blockade Runner John N. Maffitt

Maffitt in 1863.

Mount Airy, “Granite City”

On May 14, 1889, the North Carolina Granite Company was founded in Surry County by Thomas Woodroffe. It has been in continuous operation since. Now known as the North Carolina Granite Corporation, it is the world’s largest open-faced granite quarry.