Historical Events tagged with "raleigh"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

Flagship Airlines Flight 3379 Crashes Near Airport

December 13th, 1994 30 years ago

Flagship Airlines Flight 3379 was a scheduled flight that tragically went down in Morrisville, North Carolina, close to the Raleigh–Durham International Airport. The aircraft, a Fairchild Metroliner, encountered severe weather conditions just before its landing, leading to a devastating crash that resulted in the loss of 15 lives onboard. The flight was carrying a total of 19 people when it experienced difficulties during approach, eventually striking a wooded area, which resulted in a complete destruction of the aircraft.

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Crime & Law

Velma Barfield Becomes First Executed Woman Since 1962

November 2nd, 1984 40 years ago

Velma Barfield was executed in North Carolina, marking a significant moment in U.S. history as she became the first woman put to death since 1962. Barfield was convicted of murder, having poisoned her victims with arsenic. Amidst a national debate over capital punishment, her execution raised questions about the death penalty's application and its implications for women's roles in such cases. The event drew significant media attention, symbolizing a turning point in the discussion around the death penalty in America.

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Education & Academia

Shaw University is Established in Raleigh

December 1st, 1865 159 years ago

Shaw University was founded in Raleigh, North Carolina, as the first historically black university in the southern United States. Its establishment came shortly after the Civil War, during a period of profound change in the Southern states. Founded by the American Baptist Home Mission Society, Shaw aimed to provide higher education opportunities to African Americans, significantly contributing to their advancement and empowerment in society. The institution's mission reflected the growing emphasis on education as a means to achieve social equality and economic independence in the post-war era.

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Military & Warfare

Union Forces Occupy Raleigh, North Carolina

April 13th, 1865 160 years ago

Union forces under Major General William T. Sherman occupied Raleigh, North Carolina. This event marked a significant advancement in the Union's campaign to secure the South. Following the fall of Richmond and the end of combat operations in Virginia, Sherman's army moved through North Carolina, where they faced minimal resistance. Raleigh was filled with Confederate stragglers and local residents, who experienced the arrival of Union troops with a mixture of fear and hope.

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Politics & Government

Sir Walter Raleigh Released from the Tower

March 20th, 1616 409 years ago

After 13 years imprisoned in the Tower of London, Sir Walter Raleigh was finally released on March 20, 1616. His extended captivity followed a failed mission to find gold in South America, leading to accusations of treason against the king. Raleigh's release was a significant moment, allowing him to reconnect with his family and explore opportunities for renewed exploration.

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Politics & Government

Sir Walter Raleigh's Treason Trial

November 17th, 1603 421 years ago

Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer and writer, faced trial for treason in London. He was accused of conspiring against King James I, stemming from his earlier endeavors in the New World and opposition to the king’s policies. The trial drew considerable public attention due to Raleigh’s status and previous wealth from exploration. Ultimately, the court found him guilty, sentencing him to death, although his execution was delayed for several years. This court case exemplified the political tensions of the era, as well as the consequences of shifting allegiances.

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Military & Warfare

English Naval Victory at Sesimbra Bay

June 3rd, 1602 422 years ago

An English naval force commanded by Sir Walter Raleigh achieved a significant victory against a fleet of Spanish galleys, capturing a large Portuguese carrack at Sesimbra Bay. The engagement was marked by naval tactics showcasing the strengths of English ships against the more numerous Spanish vessels. The capture of the carrack, valuable for its cargo of silver, bolstered England's maritime reputation within the context of ongoing naval conflicts in the late 16th century. This confrontation underscored the shifting power dynamics on the high seas amid the Anglo-Spanish conflict.

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Exploration & Discovery

Sir Walter Raleigh's Colonization Patent

March 25th, 1584 441 years ago

Sir Walter Raleigh received a patent from Queen Elizabeth I, granting him the authority to establish a colony in the New World, specifically in what is now Virginia. This granted Raleigh exclusive rights to explore, settle, and govern the lands he would discover. His interests in colonization were driven by the desire for economic gain, expanding English territory, and spreading Christianity. This moment marked an important step in English colonial ambitions in North America.

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