1. On October 20, 1780, the Battle of Colson's Mill took place in present-day Warren County. This skirmish between Tory and Whig forces ended with a victory for the Whigs.

2. North Carolina State University was founded on October 20, 1887, as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. Today, it is a renowned research university located in Raleigh.

3. In 1913, the Wright Brothers opened the first civilian flight training school in Montgomery, Alabama. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, they moved their operations to a field in Huffman Prairie, Ohio, on October 20 of that same year.

4. On October 20, 1973, Durham County residents voted to establish a public transit system, which eventually became known as GoTriangle. Today, the system provides transportation services to thirteen counties in the Triangle area.

5. The North Carolina State Capitol building was officially dedicated on October 20, 1840. Designed by architect David Paton, the Greek Revival-style building has since undergone extensive renovations and remains an iconic landmark of Raleigh.