North Carolina Facts
North Carolina is a southeastern state with a rich history and attractions ranging from mountains to popular beaches.
The state is bordered by Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, and the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s the 28th largest state in the nation and has the 10th largest population.
Quick Facts
- Capital: Raleigh
- Population: 10 million
- Nickname: Tar Heel State
- Key Cities: Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem
- Postal Abbreviation: NC
- Major Industries: Aerospace/aviation/defense, automotive equipment, biotechnology and life sciences, energy, information and communications technology
Quick North Carolina Facts
- Legend has it that some British soldiers were slowed down when they stepped in sticky North Carolina tar during the Revolutionary War.
- The pirate Blackbeard called North Carolina home.
- Roanoke Island, was home to the first colony of English settlers in the New World.
- North Carolina is one of the largest producers of furniture in the country.
- North Carolina grows more sweet potatoes than any other state.
- Dinosaur bones have been found in North Carolina.
- Flowering Dogwood is the state flower.
- Both Krispy Kreme and Pepsi-Cola were founded in North Carolina.
History
How did North Carolina get its name: King Charles II granted the charter to start the territory of Carolina.
Originally, North and South Carolina were one territory, and he named it in honor of his father, Charles I.
The word “Carolina” comes from the Latin name Carolus, which is translated as Charles.
Date admitted to the Union: Saturday, November 21, 1789
Related: North Carolina State History
Geography
- Size: 53,819 sq. miles
- Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean at sea level
- Highest point: Mitchell at 700 ft.
- Counties: 100
- Famous locations: Biltmore Estate, Outer Banks, Pisgah National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains, Hatteras Island, Chimney Rock State Park
Famous North Carolinians
- Julianne Moore- actress
- Nicholas Sparks- author
- Zach Galifianakis- comedian/actor
- John Coltrane- jazz legend
- Dale Earnhardt- NASCAR driver
- Chris Paul- basketball player
Fun Facts
In 1903, the Wright Brothers completed the first successful powered airplane flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Today, the Wright Memorial at Kitty Hawk celebrates this achievement. North Carolina license plates also read “First in Flight” in honor of the Wright Brothers.
There are more American Idol finalists from North Carolina than any other state, including Chris Daughtry, Fantasia Barrino, and Clay Aiken.
It’s also the birthplace of many jazz legends, such as Nina Simone, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Billy Taylor.
The largest mansion in the United States is located in Asheville, North Carolina and is known as the Biltmore Estate.
The mansion has 255 rooms, gardens, and a winery. It’s a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Baseball legend Babe Ruth hit his first professional homerun on March 7, 1914 in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
North Carolina is a major producer of both sweet potatoes and Christmas trees.
It’s the #1 producer of sweet potatoes in the United States and produces about 15 to 20 percent of the nation’s real Christmas trees.
Krispy Kreme had its beginnings in 1937 when a man named Vernon Rudolph open a small donut shop in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Since then, the business has grown into one of the largest pastry chains in the world.
