North Carolina is a state of mountains, innovation, college towns, barbecue, racing, and a long Atlantic shoreline.
15 Essential Facts About North Carolina
1. North Carolina became the 12th state on November 21, 1789.
North Carolina became the 12th state on November 21, 1789.
2. Raleigh is the capital and Charlotte is the largest city.
Raleigh is the capital and Charlotte is the largest city.
3. The Tar Heel State nickname is widely used.
The Tar Heel State nickname is widely used.
4. The Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk.
The Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk.
5. The Blue Ridge Mountains shape the west.
The Blue Ridge Mountains shape the west.
6. The Outer Banks line the Atlantic coast.
The Outer Banks line the Atlantic coast.
7. The state motto is Esse quam videri: To be rather than to seem.
The state motto is Esse quam videri: To be rather than to seem.
8. North Carolina has major banking and technology sectors.
North Carolina has major banking and technology sectors.
9. The Research Triangle includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
The Research Triangle includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park touches its western border.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park touches its western border.
11. NASCAR has deep roots in the state.
NASCAR has deep roots in the state.
12. The state has a major barbecue tradition with regional styles.
The state has a major barbecue tradition with regional styles.
13. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is an enduring coastal landmark.
The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is an enduring coastal landmark.
14. North Carolina’s civil-rights and student-movement history is nationally significant.
North Carolina’s civil-rights and student-movement history is nationally significant.
15. The state links mountains, Piedmont cities, and an exceptional Atlantic coast.
The state links mountains, Piedmont cities, and an exceptional Atlantic coast.