1. On February 8, 1898, the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba, leading to the start of the Spanish-American War. Thousands of North Carolinians volunteered to serve in the war effort.

2. In 1913, the Carolina Theatre opened in Greensboro on February 8th. The theater still operates today, showcasing movies, plays, and concerts.

3. On February 8, 1960, the first lunch counter sit-ins began in Greensboro. Four African American students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University refused to leave a Woolworth's lunch counter, sparking a nationwide movement for civil rights.

4. NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. was born on February 8, 1974, in Kannapolis, North Carolina. He went on to win two Daytona 500 races and become one of the most popular drivers in the sport.

5. On February 8, 2009, the Charlotte-based Carolina Panthers played in their second Super Bowl, but lost to the New England Patriots. It was the team's first Super Bowl appearance since losing to the Patriots in 2004.