1. North Carolina ratified the United States Constitution on January 20, 1789, becoming the twelfth state to do so. This allowed the Constitution to go into effect, establishing the framework for the federal government and the rights of individual citizens.

2. On January 20, 1862, the Battle of Roanoke Island began. It was a significant victory for the Union Army and Navy, which captured the Confederate-held island and gained control of the North Carolina coast.

3. In 1979, North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt was inaugurated for his first term on January 20. Hunt went on to serve four non-consecutive terms as governor, making him one of the most influential political figures in the state’s history.

4. The North Carolina State Capitol building in Raleigh was officially dedicated on January 20, 1840. Designed by architect David Paton, the Greek Revival-style building still serves as the home of North Carolina’s state government.

5. On January 20, 1986, a severe winter storm struck North Carolina, dumping over two feet of snow in some areas and causing widespread power outages. It was one of the state’s worst snowstorms on record, and resulted in several deaths and millions of dollars in damage.