1. In 1775, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed in Charlotte, North Carolina. This was a bold move by the citizens of Mecklenburg County who declared their independence from Great Britain over a year before the United States declared its independence in 1776.

2. On July 5, 1863, the Battle of Fairfield took place in western North Carolina during the Civil War. The battle was fought between Union and Confederate forces and resulted in a Union victory.

3. The Wright Brothers opened their first airplane factory in North Carolina on July 5, 1910. The factory was located in Dayton, North Carolina and was used to manufacture their famous Wright Flyer.

4. In 1979, the Highway Patrol in North Carolina began using unmarked vehicles to catch speeders. The program was initially controversial but proved to be effective in reducing speeding on the state's highways.

5. On July 5, 2005, North Carolina became the first state in the United States to require a criminal background check for all gun buyers. The law is still in effect today and has been used as a model for other states wishing to reduce gun violence.