1. On December 13, 1787, North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the United States Constitution, thus paving the way for the document's adoption and the formation of a new federal government.

2. In 1967, the North Carolina General Assembly declared the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) as the official state carnivorous plant. Found only within a 60-mile radius of Wilmington, the Venus Flytrap is a source of pride and fascination for many North Carolinians.

3. On December 13, 1862, Union forces captured Plymouth, North Carolina during the Civil War. The town was an important Confederate stronghold and its loss to Union forces represented a significant blow to the Confederacy's efforts in the region.

4. In 2008, a significant snowstorm hit North Carolina on December 13th, dumping over 10 inches of snow in some areas and causing widespread power outages. The storm was unusual for the state, which does not typically receive significant snowfall.

5. On December 13, 1914, the town of East Spencer in Rowan County was incorporated. Originally a stop on the Salisbury-Asheville railroad, the town grew rapidly in the early 20th century as a hub for manufacturing and commerce. Today, East Spencer remains an important part of the Rowan County community.