1. On April 16, 2011, a deadly tornado outbreak struck North Carolina, resulting in 24 deaths and over 375 injuries. The hardest hit area was the city of Raleigh, where a tornado with winds of 160 mph caused extensive damage.

2. In 1971, the North Carolina Zoo officially opened to the public on April 16. Located in Asheboro, it is one of the largest zoos in the world and houses over 1,600 animals from over 250 species.

3. On April 16, 1862, during the Civil War, Confederate troops under the command of General Robert E. Lee captured Fort Macon, a Union stronghold on the coast of North Carolina. The fort was an important strategic point in controlling access to the ports of Beaufort and Morehead City.

4. In 1987, the Carolina Hurricanes played their first ever playoff game on April 16, losing to the Boston Bruins. The Hurricanes, who were then known as the Hartford Whalers, relocated to North Carolina in 1997.

5. On April 16, 1939, the North Carolina State Capitol building was dedicated after a five-year restoration project. Originally built in 1840, the building had fallen into disrepair over the years and required extensive renovations to restore its historic beauty.