1. The Wright Brothers' first flight in North Carolina took place on August 27, 1908. Orville Wright made a solo flight that lasted over two minutes, covering a distance of 1800 feet at a height of about 20 feet above the ground.

2. On August 27, 1955, Hurricane Diane made landfall in North Carolina, causing widespread damage and flooding across the state. The storm, which hit just days after Hurricane Connie, is estimated to have caused over $1 billion in damages.

3. August 27, 1910 was a seminal moment in the history of African American education in North Carolina when the Palmer Memorial Institute opened its doors. The private school for Black students garnered massive support and gained recognition as one of the best institutions of its kind in the country.

4. One of North Carolina's most famous politicians, Jesse Helms, was born on August 27, 1921, in Monroe, NC. The controversial Republican Senator served for 30 years and was known for his conservative views on social, economic, and foreign policies.

5. On August 27, 1781, General Nathanael Greene's Continental Army engaged with British troops under the command of Lord Cornwallis in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse near present-day Greensboro, NC. Although technically a British victory, the battle weakened the enemy's hold on the southern colonies and paved the way for eventual American independence.