On December 29, North Carolina has witnessed several significant events throughout its history. Here are five interesting facts about December 29 in North Carolina history:

1. On December 29, 1845, the United States Congress authorized the construction of the first lighthouse on Bald Head Island, located off the North Carolina coast. The Bald Head Island Lighthouse stands 110 feet tall and still operates as an aid to maritime navigation.

2. December 29, 1862, marked the day when Confederate General Robert E. Lee appointed General George E. Pickett as division commander. Pickett famously led his troops in the ill-fated Pickett's Charge during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.

3. In 1931, on December 29, the first flight of the U.S. airship Akron took place over Lakehurst, New Jersey. The Akron was built by the Goodyear-Zeppelin Corporation and was stationed in Lakehurst for a time, where it was used as a training ship for the U.S. Navy. Many of the Akron's crew had ties to North Carolina.

4. December 29, 1973, marked the passing of North Carolina's first African American congressman, George H. White. White served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1897 until 1901, during which time he was a major advocate for civil rights.

5. On December 29, 2016, thousands of North Carolinians were impacted by a severe winter storm that brought heavy snow and dangerous ice to the state. The storm caused widespread power outages and travel disruptions, particularly in the western part of the state. It was one of the most significant winter storms to hit North Carolina in recent years.