October holds a special place in North Carolina history. The month includes the beginnings of a beloved Raleigh tradition, a milestone in women’s political activism, advances in education and medicine, and a record-setting flight on the Outer Banks.

For Raleigh and Triangle residents, these anniversaries offer connections to familiar places—including the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University. Here are eight important North Carolina history moments that happened in October.

October 2, 1894: North Carolina School for the Deaf Opens

The North Carolina School for the Deaf opened in Morganton on October 2, 1894, with 104 students and eight teachers. Its first superintendent, Edward McKee Goodwin, led the institution until his death in 1937.

The new campus followed efforts to relieve overcrowding at the existing school in Raleigh. This milestone also belongs within the history of segregated education: white deaf students moved to Morganton, while Black deaf and blind students continued attending a separate school in Raleigh. 

October 6, 1967: Duke Graduates the Nation’s First Physician Assistants

On October 6, 1967, three students graduated from Duke University’s physician assistant program in Durham, becoming the nation’s first PAs.

Dr. Eugene A. Stead Jr. established the program in 1965 to help address physician shortages, particularly in rural North Carolina. The graduation marked a significant Triangle contribution to a new health care profession. 

October 12, 1793: UNC’s Old East Cornerstone Is Laid

The cornerstone of the University of North Carolina’s first building was laid in Chapel Hill on October 12, 1793.

Known as Old East, the building housed classrooms and student living quarters. The university opened in January 1795, and its first student, Hinton James, arrived the following month. The October ceremony marked an early step in the development of public higher education in North Carolina. 

October 15, 1954: Hurricane Hazel Strikes the Carolina Coast

On October 15, 1954, Hurricane Hazel made landfall near the North Carolina–South Carolina border as a Category 4 hurricane.

A devastating storm surge struck coastal communities, including Long Beach, now part of Oak Island. Destructive winds also reached inland toward Raleigh, damaging trees, roofs and power lines. Hazel caused 19 deaths in North Carolina and became a major benchmark in the state’s hurricane history. 

October 16, 1961: Dorton Arena Receives Its Name

On October 16, 1961, the State Fair’s Livestock Judging Pavilion was dedicated and renamed J. S. Dorton Arena in memory of longtime fair manager “Doc” Dorton.

The building had opened in 1952. Architect Matthew Nowicki developed its distinctive design, and Raleigh architect William Henley Deitrick carried the project forward after Nowicki’s death. The October anniversary marks the naming of the Raleigh landmark, rather than its original opening. 

October 18, 1853: The First North Carolina State Fair Opens in Raleigh

The first North Carolina State Fair opened in Raleigh on October 18, 1853, beginning a tradition closely associated with autumn in the capital city.

Organized by the North Carolina Agricultural Society, the early fair showcased plants, animals and handicrafts, with prizes awarded to exhibitors. It ran through October 21. The fair later changed locations, moving to its present west Raleigh site in 1928. 

October 24, 1911: Orville Wright Sets a Gliding Record

North Carolina’s aviation story continued after the Wright brothers’ famous 1903 powered flights.

On October 24, 1911, Orville Wright remained airborne in an unpowered glider for nine minutes and 45 seconds on the Outer Banks, establishing a world soaring record. The achievement came during a return visit devoted to further flight experiments. His record stood until 1921. 

October 25, 1774: Women Take Political Action in the Edenton Tea Party

On October 25, 1774, 51 women in Edenton signed a statement supporting a boycott of British tea and cloth.

Their declaration backed the First North Carolina Provincial Congress’s resistance to British policies. The action became known as the Edenton Tea Party, an important example of women organizing publicly during the movement toward American independence. 

October’s anniversaries connect North Carolina’s history to places and institutions residents still recognize. They also provide opportunities to examine how education, political participation, innovation and community traditions developed across the state.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |