1. In 1835, the North Carolina Railroad played a significant role in opening up the state to the rest of the country. On August 20 of that year, the groundbreaking ceremony for the railroad took place in Greensboro, which ultimately led to the creation of new towns and cities along the rail line.

2. On August 20, 1861, the Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries took place during the Civil War. The Union forces, led by Major General Benjamin Butler, defeated Confederate troops, securing control of the inlet and the waters off the coast of North Carolina.

3. August 20, 1920, marked an important milestone in women's rights in North Carolina. On this day, the North Carolina legislature ratified the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote.

4. In 1965, Hurricane Diana made landfall in North Carolina on August 20 as a Category 1 storm. Although it caused significant flooding and property damage, there were no reported fatalities.

5. August 20, 1986, was the day that Elizabeth Dole was appointed as the first female Secretary of Transportation in United States history. Dole, who had previously served as Secretary of Labor, helped shape transportation policy during the Reagan administration.