1. On October 15, 1817, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill opened its doors to students for the first time. It was the first public university in the nation.

2. The first recorded flight in North Carolina took place on October 15, 1900. Orville Wright attempted to fly a glider on the beach at Kitty Hawk, but it was unsuccessful. The Wright Brothers returned the following year and made successful powered flight.

3. On October 15, 1926, the North Carolina Symphony gave its first performance in Raleigh. It was founded as the first state-supported symphony in the United States.

4. The North Carolina Zoo, located in Asheboro, opened on October 15, 1976. It is the world's largest natural habitat zoo, covering over 2,000 acres and housing more than 1,600 animals.

5. On October 15, 1989, the first black female mayor of a major Southern city was elected in Charlotte, North Carolina. Harvey Gantt served as mayor from 1989 to 1993, and was known for his work in promoting civil rights and equality.

Overall, October 15 has played an important role in shaping the history of North Carolina through its contributions to education, aviation, culture, and civil rights.