1. On December 8, 1849, the North Carolina Railroad was chartered. This railroad was one of the most important transportation systems in the state, connecting the western and eastern regions of North Carolina.

2. In 1853, on December 8th, North Carolina held a state convention in Raleigh to debate secession from the United States. The convention ultimately concluded without a secession vote, but tensions continued to rise leading up to the Civil War.

3. December 8, 1914 marked the dedication of the Wright Brothers' National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The monument honors the aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright, who successfully completed the first powered flight in 1903 on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

4. On December 8, 1941, just one day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declared war on Japan. North Carolina played a significant role in the war efforts, with military bases such as Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune contributing soldiers and resources.

5. In 2005, on December 8th, a tornado outbreak swept through North Carolina, causing significant damage and several fatalities. Over 20 tornadoes were reported across the state, with the most significant damage occurring in the Piedmont region. This event served as a reminder of the state's vulnerability to severe weather.