1. On April 17, 1918, the United States Army established the Camp Polk military base in North Carolina. The base played a crucial role in World War I, serving as a training ground for American soldiers heading to Europe.

2. North Carolina experienced a significant earthquake on April 17, 1889. The magnitude 5.1 quake was centered near Asheville and was felt throughout the region. It caused damage to some buildings but no reports of injuries.

3. The governor of North Carolina, Beverly Perdue, declared April 17, 2012, as “Thaddeus Stevens Day” in honor of the Pennsylvania congressman who was a leading advocate for abolitionism, civil rights, and Reconstruction during the 19th century.

4. North Carolina native and NASCAR driver Benny Parsons won the Virginia 500 on April 17, 1977. Parsons, who went on to become a broadcaster and member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame, won 21 Cup Series races in his career.

5. On April 17, 1925, the historic Carolina Theatre opened its doors in Durham. The theater, which underwent extensive renovations in the 1990s, is still a popular venue for concerts, plays, and movies in the city.