1. In 1784, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was founded. It was the first public university in the United States and is now one of the oldest and most respected institutions in the country.

2. On October 21, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The fire didn't directly affect North Carolina, but it did lead to changes in building codes, fire safety regulations, and disaster response protocols around the country.

3. In 1904, the state's first public high school for African Americans opened in Wilmington. Williston Industrial High School provided vocational training as well as academic instruction, and helped to improve educational opportunities for Black students in North Carolina.

4. On October 21, 1967, North Carolina A&T State University students participated in a protest against racial inequality and segregation in Greensboro. This event became known as the Greensboro sit-ins and helped to spark the Civil Rights Movement across the country.

5. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew hit North Carolina, causing extensive flooding and damage to homes and businesses. The storm caused many fatalities and prompted extensive emergency response efforts and evacuations.