History News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

Tar Heel Traveler: J.C. Knowles

Knowles was a legendary character from Apex who passed away on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. The Tar Heel Traveler pinned a tribute to Knowles, a man who was passionate about North Carolina history and in preserving it for generations to come.

Today in history: September 22, Lincoln issues preliminary Emancipation Proclamation

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, a pivotal moment in American history that signaled the end of slavery. Discover other important events that happened on this day.

Discover Southern Pines: A rich tapestry of history, music and culture

Southern Pines, known as the home of American golf, offers more than just lush fairways -- it's a vibrant community rich in history, music, and culture. Southern Pines is a town that treasures its past while embracing the present.

Wilson car shop under fire for employee's Juneteenth comments

A Wilson car repair shop faced backlash after a viral video showed an employee making dismissive comments about Juneteenth, leading a customer to immediately leave the shop.

Wilson auto shop faces backlash over employee's Juneteenth comments caught on camera

A Wilson car repair shop faced backlash after a viral video showed an employee making dismissive comments about Juneteenth, leading a customer to immediately leave the shop.

The deeper history of a city: Why was Sir Walter Raleigh executed?

Why was Sir Walter Raleigh executed, and what led to this event? We examine Raleigh by taking a closer look at the life of the man it was named after.

Mysterious origins of April Fools' Day: Tracing the true history of a trickster holiday

From its origins -- whether in Ancient Rome, medieval England, or Renaissance Europe -- to today, April Fools' Day has always capitalized on a long-held human tradition: silliness.

Julian Grace: Learning my family's connection to North Carolina's dark past

Coming from Indiana nearly five years ago, WRAL anchor/reporter Julian Grace said he's always found a deep connection to Raleigh. During this Black History Month, he decided to learn more about his connections to one of Raleigh's oldest Black neighborhoods.

How one president's day became Presidents Day

Colloquially known as Presidents' Day in a nod to the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and other past presidents, the federal holiday officially celebrates only Washington's birthday.

Remy Tumin, New York Times

Tar Heel Traveler: Mule Barn

The Clayton Town Council recently paid one million dollars for an iconic building that had once been an old mule barn. The city plans to preserve it but also transform it into a town gathering spot. Years ago, the Tar Heel Traveler showcased the barn and its colorful longtime owner.

Fort Fisher celebrates 160th anniversary, $20M visitor center launch

Join historians and Civil War enthusiasts at Wilmington's Fort Fisher this Saturday for the 160th anniversary of the pivotal Union assault on the Confederacy's "Gibraltar."

North Carolina's state seal: A journey through history and symbolism

From its pre-Revolutionary origins to its current form, discover how the seal encapsulates North Carolina's landscape, values and history.

121 years ago today: Wright Brothers Day celebrates first flight

On Dec. 17, 1903, two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, harnessed the winds of North Carolina's Outer Banks to take flight.

Marker honors those killed in Plymouth massacre

The town of Plymouth, North Carolina, now has a marker to bring awareness of the 1864 massacre in that town in which Black soldiers and civilians were killed in the Civil War.

A century before Helene, the great flood of 1916 left NC's mountains drenched

Within the span of about two weeks in July 1916, two tropical storms dropped more than 26 inches of rain over western North Carolina, leaving most of the rivers gushing out onto city streets. There are some similarities between this event and Helene.

Ryan Bisesi, WRAL multiplatform producer

Unfathomable devastation: McDowell County faces historic loss in wake of flooding

There's so much visible damage, but also a profound sense of loss for what you can't see--equally deep and painful. McDowell County has been devastated.

Scott Mason, WRAL reporter

North Carolina pirates: 5 famous NC pirates, including Blackbeard

Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach, is arguably North Carolina's most famous pirate. Here's a list of five famous pirates in North Carolina.

Discover the North Carolina state motto and its rich history

What is the North Carolina state motto? Discover its rich history and significance.

Tar Heel Traveler: Back to Eden

An African American buys a nice piece of land in Henderson, expecting to retire peacefully, only to find it was once a thriving slave plantation. He has uncovered evidence of its cruel past but rather than hide from it, he wants people to know of the history.

Preserving NC history: Nonprofit fights to save Oregon Inlet life station on Outer Banks

The Oregon Inlet Life Station, a historic building built in 1898, is in danger of falling into disrepair.

Grace Holland, WRAL News+ anchor/producer

NJ woman finds what could be the oldest message in a bottle

A New Jersey woman's walk on the beach led to a bridge to the past. She found a message in a bottle that could be the world's oldest.

Multi-million-dollar housing development could be built on ancient Native American village

The state's chief archeologist says the Native American site in Carteret County's Cedar Point is the most significant find he's seen in 30 years.

NC builders unearth major archeological find. Lawmakers want to help them build over it

The state's chief archeologist says the Native American site in Carteret County's Cedar Point is the most significant find he's seen in 30 years.

Will Doran, state government reporter

13 years ago today: 30 tornadoes ripped through NC, killing four children & 20 others

Thirteen years ago, on April 16, 2011, 30 tornadoes touched down in North Carolina for the greatest one-day total on record for the state.

WRAL Severe Weather Center

On this day 248 years ago: Small NC town becomes central to birth of the United States

North Carolina will be launching its celebration of America's 250th birthday during a special event in Halifax this month.