North Carolina - The Tarheel State
North Carolina |
North Carolina, located in the southeastern United States, is a state known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Bordered by Virginia to the north and South Carolina and Georgia to the south, the state stretches from the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast to the towering peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. This unique geography offers a blend of coastal plains, rolling hills, and scenic mountains.
History and Heritage
As one of the original thirteen colonies, North Carolina played a significant role in early American history. It was the site of the first English settlement attempt at Roanoke Island and later became a key player in the Revolutionary War. Its heritage includes deep connections to agriculture, industry, and innovation over the centuries.
Economy and Lifestyle
Today, North Carolina is known for its thriving industries such as technology, finance, and agriculture, with tobacco, sweet potatoes, and poultry being major products. The state also boasts a strong focus on education, anchored by its renowned universities and research centers. Residents and visitors alike enjoy a blend of historic charm, modern cities, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
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Fast Facts and Interesting Facts |
| Fact |
Detail |
Interesting Facts |
| Region |
Southeast |
- North Carolina is home to the first successful powered flight by the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk in 1903.
- The state has three distinct geographic regions: Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountains.
- North Carolina's Outer Banks are known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" due to numerous shipwrecks.
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, founded in 1789, was the first public university in the U.S. to admit students.
- Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the U.S. after New York City.
- North Carolina produces more sweet potatoes than any other state in the nation.
- The state has the highest number of American Idol finalists per capita of any state.
- Pepsi was invented in North Carolina in 1893 by Caleb Bradham.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, partly in NC, is the most visited national park in the U.S.
- Biltmore Estate in Asheville is America’s largest privately owned house, built by George Vanderbilt.
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| Population |
~10.8 million |
| Area |
53,819 sq mi (139,391 km²) |
| Statehood Date |
November 21, 1789 (12th state) |
| Capital City |
Raleigh |
| Largest City |
Charlotte |
| Abbreviation |
NC |
| Nickname |
The Tar Heel State |
| Geography |
Mountains in the west (Blue Ridge, Great Smoky), Piedmont plateau, Coastal Plain with barrier islands (Outer Banks) |
| Bordering States |
Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee |
| Economy |
Diverse: banking (Charlotte is a major hub), biotechnology, furniture, textiles, agriculture (tobacco, sweet potatoes) |
| State Tree |
Pine |
| State Bird |
Northern Cardinal |
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Our Content |
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Interactive and Printable North Carolina Maps and Map Activities
This section features numerous interactive and printable North Carolina maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own North Carolina map. |
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History of North Carolina
North Carolina, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, was first settled by Europeans in the late 1600s and became a center for tobacco and agriculture. It played a key role in the American Revolution and was the first state to call for independence from Britain in 1776. |
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Famous People from North Carolina
North Carolina is home to many notable figures, including basketball legend Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. It is also the birthplace of Dolley Madison, the influential First Lady known for her charm and role in shaping the social life of early Washington, D.C.
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North Carolina Literacy and Comprehension Exercises
This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8. |
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Fun North Carolina Printables and Coloring Activities
This section features fun and educational North Carolina-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to North Carolina' sign, and much more! |
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Fun North Carolina and United States Online Games
This section provides some really exciting online games such as North Carolina or Not North Carolina, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more. |
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