1. North Carolina was the site of a major Revolutionary War battle on July 4, 1776. The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge was fought between Patriot and Loyalist forces, with the Patriots emerging victorious. This battle is seen as a turning point in the fight for independence in the South.

2. One of the most famous North Carolinians in history, Billy Graham, was born on July 4, 1918. Graham went on to become one of the most influential Christian evangelists of the 20th century, preaching to millions around the world.

3. On July 4, 1831, Nat Turner led a slave rebellion in Virginia that sent shockwaves through the South. North Carolina, a slave state at the time, was understandably rattled by the revolt and saw a rise in anti-abolitionist sentiment in the years following.

4. In 1971, North Carolina became the first state to declare July 4 an official state holiday. This gave state employees the day off and helped to cement Independence Day as a major celebration across the state.

5. In recent years, North Carolina has hit the headlines on July 4 for a different reason: the state's annual "Running of the Bulls" event in Durham. This tongue-in-cheek tribute to the famous Spanish event involves runners sprinting through the streets chased by people dressed in bull costumes, and has become a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.