1. On August 9, 1842, the North Carolina State University (then known as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts) was established by the state legislature. The university is now a renowned public research institution and a member of the prestigious University of North Carolina System.

2. August 9, 1936, marked the opening of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. The parkway is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

3. In 1974, on August 9th, a massive tornado swept through the city of Windsor, North Carolina, leaving 11 people dead and dozens more injured. The tornado was part of a supercell thunderstorm that caused extensive damage across the region, and is remembered as one of the most deadly and destructive weather events in North Carolina history.

4. On August 9, 2015, North Carolina native and NBA star Steph Curry announced the launch of the "Curry One" basketball shoe, his first signature shoe with athletic apparel company Under Armour. The shoe became a popular item among basketball fans and collectors, and helped to solidify Curry's status as one of the most popular athletes in the world.

5. August 9, 1942, saw the opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans over 500,000 acres across North Carolina and Tennessee. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, and is visited by millions of people each year who come to hike, camp, and explore the rugged beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.