Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

Body Politic of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Created

On December 9, 1868, at a Grand Council held at Cheowa (modern day Robbinsville), the body politic of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was created.

S. B. Alexander, Advocate for Agriculture

On December 8, 1840, Sydenham Benoni Alexander, Confederate officer, legislator and agriculturalist, was born in Mecklenburg County.

James Iredell Jr. Became Governor

On December 8, 1827, James Iredell Jr. became governor.

Minibikes and the Wrestling Mat: Hendersonville’s McCrary Twins

On December 7, 1946, Billy and Benny McCrary, the world’s largest twins, were born in Hendersonville.

Archaeology Work at Future Jordan Lake

On December 7, 1970, the groundbreaking for what would become Jordan Lake took place. The lake was full about 12 years later.  Its namesake was U.S. Senator B. Everett Jordan.

A Preservation Milestone for North Carolina

The first board meeting of the

A North Carolina Pearl Harbor Story

On December 7, 1941, Japanese planes staged a surprise attack on U.S. military forces at Pearl Harbor. Harley Jolley was enrolled in the Army Air Force and stationed at Hickam Air Field. He was asleep at 7:55 a.m. when the attack commenced.

London Years of Sweet Baby James

On December 6, 1968, James Taylor released his first and self-titled album.

Gyrocopter Took Flight in Kitty Hawk, 1955

On December 6, 1955, Russian immigrant Dr. Igor Bensen made the world’s first gyrocopter flight at Kill Devil Hills.

First Jewish Legislator Delivers Speech on Religious Liberty

On December 6, 1809, Jacob Henry, North Carolina's first Jewish legislator, delivered a rousing speech about religious liberty to the General Assembly.