State History: 8 Events That Shaped North Carolina

North Carolina history has progressed from its widespread slave plantations to advanced research and development facilities.

Here are eight events that helped shape the state of North Carolina:

1. After unsuccessful attempts to colonize the North Carolina area in the late 1500s, the English established the first permanent settlements near the Roanoke and Chowan rivers in 1653.

VOTE NOW: Is North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory Doing a Good Job?

2. The North Carolina colony was the site of one of the early rebellions against the British in 1677. Known as "Culpeper's Rebellion," after leader John Culpeper, about 40 rebels imprisoned the deputy governor and took control of the local government because of taxes imposed through the British Navigation Acts. According to History.com, Culpeper was later charged for treason in England, but acquitted.

3. In 1776, North Carolina became the first colonial body to vote for independence from the British during a provincial congress at Halifax, according to History.com. The move was the result of the Stamp Act and other British regulations.

4. North Carolina was the last state to secede from the Union in May 1861. The state had seen economic success with its cotton and tobacco slave plantations, but attempted a peaceful resolution until the attack on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, forced President Lincoln to increase troops in the South.

5. Near the Civil War's end, a sentiment for peace with the Union developed throughout the state as defeat seemed inevitable. The last major Confederate army surrendered to Gen. William T. Sherman near Hillsborough in April 1865.

VOTE NOW: Should the Government Be Doing More to Promote Tourism in America?

6. The Wright brothers made North Carolina history with the first airplane ride at Kitty Hawk in 1903. Wilbur Wright ran beside the plane to keep the wing up before it was airborne while brother Orville flew for 120 feet in 12 seconds. Four more flights were made during the day.

7. In a 1971 case involving the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that school busing could be allowed to achieve racial desegregation in schools. The ruling led to other school districts throughout the country using mandatory busing to further integrate schools.

8. The development of Research Triangle Park, beginning in 1959, made it one of the premier scientific and educational areas in the world, according to Forbes. Highly trained workers poured into the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area, which is home to 170 high-tech companies. The 7,000-acre park continues to expand with additional land acquisition for scientific and engineering research.

URGENT: Do You Approve of the Job Pat McCrory Is Doing as North Carolina Governor?

Related Stories: