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CAPITAL CITY: Raleigh

BACKGROUND

North Carolina is the northern portion of the original 1629 land grant made by England's King Charles I, which was named in his honor (Carolus is Latin for Charles). The first European settlement in North Carolina is the famous Lost Colony of Roanoke Island that vanished sometime after 1587. North Carolina joined the Union in 1789 and is the 12th of the original 13 states. One of its major industries is tourism, as many Americans travel to the state to enjoy its beautiful beaches.

Map showing the location of North Carolina

North Carolina has a long, attractive coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by many islands, reefs and sand bars. The state stretches westward from the coast across both swampland and fertile tobacco fields. Historic sites, battlefields, old mansions and beautiful gardens attract sightseers and students of American history.

QUICK FACTS

The great seal of the state of North Carolina

The great seal of the state of North Carolina

Nickname: Tar Heel State / Old North State

Motto: Esse Quam Videri (To Be Rather Than To Seem)

Statehood: November 21, 1789 (12th)

Origin of State's Name: Taken from "Carolus," the Latin word for Charles and named after England's King Charles I.

Largest Cities: Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham

Border States: Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

Land Area: 48,718 sq. mi., 29th largest

State Bird: Cardinal

State Flower: American Dogwood (cornus florida)

State Tree: Longleaf Pine (pinus palustris)

State Song: The Old North State

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for North Carolina - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.