Today in Raleigh & North Carolina History
January 12 may not be marked by a single defining moment in Raleigh’s story, but it offers a fascinating snapshot of how the city—and North Carolina more broadly—has evolved through education, politics, culture, and community life. From student activism at NC State to the once-powerful political role of a downtown hotel, today’s date reflects the layered history that continues to shape the City of Oaks.
Raleigh & North Carolina Historical Highlights
1923: A Window Into Student Life at North Carolina State University
On January 12, 1923, The Technician—NC State’s oldest student newspaper—published an issue that captured the social and political tensions of the era. Among routine campus updates were references to a student debate about the disbanding of the Ku Klux Klan, alongside humor sections that reveal the racial attitudes of the 1920s. Today, these archives serve as powerful reminders of how student voices have long reflected broader national struggles.
1953: Political Power at the Sir Walter Hotel
Beginning January 12, 1953, the historic Sir Walter Hotel hosted a Farmers Cooperative Exchange (FCX) sales conference. At the time, the Sir Walter was famously dubbed Raleigh’s “third house of the General Assembly,” as lawmakers often lived, negotiated, and shaped policy within its walls. Though the hotel no longer stands, its influence on mid-20th-century Raleigh politics remains significant.
Raleigh Origins & the January Context
The “City of Oaks” Vision (1792)
While Raleigh was officially incorporated in December, January was historically when early commissioners and surveyors—including William Christmas—were finalizing plans for the 1,000 acres purchased from Joel Lane to establish North Carolina’s capital.
Winter Weather in Raleigh
Mid-January is historically when Raleigh experiences its most notable winter weather. While January 12, 2026, brings no major storm, the city remembers several “January surprises,” including the Great Snow of 2000, which arrived just days later in the month.
Looking to connect history with what’s happening right now? Here’s what’s on today’s calendar:
Community Event: Dream and Create — a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Cedar Fork Community Center, 6:30–8:00 PM
Civic Meeting: City of Raleigh Board of Adjustment meeting, 1:00 PM at the Raleigh Municipal Building
Cultural Exhibit: Then and Now history exhibit at Pullen Arts Center, highlighting the evolution of Raleigh’s local arts scene
Today in African American History – January 12
January 12 also marks several pivotal moments in African American history, spanning civil rights, arts, sports, and frontier legacy.
Legal & Educational Milestones
1948: In Sipuel v. Oklahoma State Board of Regents, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states must provide equal legal education opportunities for Black students—laying important groundwork for later desegregation cases.
1952: The University of Tennessee admitted its first Black students, continuing the momentum toward educational integration in the South.
Literature & Arts
1965: The world lost visionary playwright Lorraine Hansberry at just 34 years old. Best known for A Raisin in the Sun, she became the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway, forever shaping American theater and storytelling.
Sports & Cultural Icons
1944: Boxing legend Joe Frazier was born in Beaufort, South Carolina. An Olympic gold medalist and world heavyweight champion, “Smokin’ Joe” is remembered for his fierce rivalry with Muhammad Ali and his indelible mark on sports history.
Frontier History
1910: Legendary lawman Bass Reeves passed away. Born into slavery, Reeves became one of the most successful U.S. Deputy Marshals in history, arresting thousands of outlaws without ever being wounded.
Notable Birthdays
James Farmer (1920): Co-founder of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and a principal organizer of the 1961 Freedom Rides Dominique Wilkins (1960): NBA Hall of Famer known worldwide as the “Human Highlight Film”
Why January 12 Matters in Raleigh
From student activism and political power centers to cultural expression and civil rights milestones, January 12 reminds us that Raleigh’s story is built on everyday moments that collectively define who we are as a city and a community.
Looking for more events happening today? Explore more at DoRaleigh.com—your guide to Raleigh’s past, present, and what’s happening next.
Post your community News, Events, and you can request placing a Paid ad on our Submissions Page.
DoRaleigh 
Leave a comment