1. On August 14, 1775, North Carolina's Provincial Congress authorized the creation of ten companies of "Minute Men," who were essentially early response units ready to defend against British forces. This action helped pave the way for North Carolina's support of American independence.

2. In 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee issued Special Orders No. 191, which included plans for his army's invasion of Maryland. The orders were discovered by Union troops on August 14, which led to the Battle of Antietam, one of the bloodiest single-day battles in American history.

3. On August 14, 1896, William Jennings Bryan delivered his famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Bryan, who was born in Salem, North Carolina, was the first presidential candidate to actively campaign in the state.

4. In 1945, the USS Sablefish (SS-303), a submarine built in North Carolina, was commissioned by the US Navy. The vessel served during the latter years of World War II, and ultimately earned four battle stars for its service.

5. On August 14, 1983, legendary NASCAR driver Bobby Allison won the Champion Spark Plug 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The victory was one of many for Allison, who was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011.