1. On August 17, 1780, the Battle of Camden took place in South Carolina during the American Revolutionary War. Several North Carolina militia units were involved in the battle, although they were ultimately defeated by the British army.

2. August 17, 1805, marks the birth of William Henry Gilder, a North Carolina politician and United States Congressman from 1855 to 1860. Gilder was known for his advocacy of states' rights and his opposition to tariffs.

3. In 1862, the Confederate army, led by General Robert E. Lee, invaded Maryland during the Civil War. Several North Carolina regiments, including the 35th North Carolina Infantry Regiment, fought in the Battle of Antietam, which took place on September 17.

4. On August 17, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. North Carolina was one of the last states to ratify the amendment, doing so on May 6, 1971.

5. In 1987, Hurricane Emily made landfall in North Carolina, causing widespread damage and flooding. The storm was responsible for six deaths and caused over $35 million in damages.