On Jan. 31, 1961 flew a suborbital flight on NASA Project Mercury mission. First great ape in space. Retired here to N.C. Zoo.
Topics Related to Historical Markers
Prominent congregation of African American Muslims in N.C., est. in 1956. Hub of outreach. Mosque opened here, 1972.
Born enslaved, escaped ca. 1857. Author of The Bondswoman’s Narrative, based on her life, penned between 1853 and 1861. Lived two blocks north.
Children's book author, advocate for civil rights & higher education. Wrote Crackajack Pony in 1969. Lived in Occoneechee Neck.
“The Flying Parson.” Won first Transcontinental Air Race, 1919. Was WWI test pilot and daredevil. Buried 2 miles west.
Journalist and author. First Secretary, Dept. of Cultural Resources, 1972. Was N.C. Poet Laureate, 1982-1996. Born ½ m. N.
Storm made landfall in N.C. on Sept. 16, 1999. Brought historic flooding to region. Led to state & U.S. evacuation reform.
Originated here in 1903. Global leader among N.C. furniture makers. It was a model for marketing and local production.
Abolitionist & maritime captain. Emancipated self and family. He published autobiography ca. 1843. Labored & lived nearby.
In 1916, sang & recorded 25 Southern Appalachian ballads for preservation. Songs were foundational for regional culture & music. She lived nearby.