1. In 1924, the first ever American Olympic gold medalist in track and field, the North Carolinian Harold Abrahams, was born. Abrahams was the subject of the film "Chariots of Fire," which detailed his life and career.

2. In 1767, the British Parliament passed the Townshend Acts, which placed taxes on goods imported to the American colonies. The acts fueled tensions between Britain and the colonies and ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution.

3. On July 22, 1804, Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, died following a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr. Hamilton was a key figure in the formation of the U.S. financial system and the author of many of the Federalist Papers.

4. In 1793, the first U.S. patent was granted to Samuel Hopkins for a process of making potash, an important ingredient in fertilizer. North Carolina has a rich history of agriculture and was once a leading producer of potash.

5. On July 22, 1864, Confederate General Johnston surrendered to Union General Sherman at the Battle of Atlanta during the American Civil War. The surrender marked a turning point in the war and helped pave the way for Union victory. North Carolina played a significant role in the Civil War as a Confederate state.