1. On May 12, 1788, North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the United States Constitution. This landmark decision helped to solidify the country's new form of government and paved the way for further expansion and development.

2. In 1948, on May 12, a catastrophic flood hit the small town of Hobucken, North Carolina. The storm caused massive damage and swept away homes, businesses, and entire families. The disaster served as a reminder of the dangers of living in coastal areas and inspired new efforts to protect communities from future floods.

3. May 12, 1976, marked the opening of the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro. Consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the country, the North Carolina Zoo is home to over 1,800 animals from around the world and features a wide range of exhibits and attractions.

4. In 2003, on May 12, Raleigh, North Carolina, became one of the first cities in the state to pass a domestic partnership ordinance. The measure provided legal recognition and protections to same-sex couples, marking a major step forward in the fight for LGBTQ rights in North Carolina.

5. May 12, 2013, marked the dedication of the new Bill and Melinda Gates Hall on the campus of North Carolina State University. The state-of-the-art facility is home to the Computer Science Department and is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and cutting-edge research in the field of computer science.