State Name: North Carolina

State Abbreviation: NC

Capital: Raleigh

Name Origin: North Carolina earned the moniker "Tar Heel State" due to the practice of selling tar, pitch, and turpentine extracted from the abundant longleaf pine trees. These valuable materials were utilized in the construction of wooden ships. Legend has it that British soldiers encountered difficulty during the Revolutionary War as they found themselves mired in the sticky tar of North Carolina.

Nickname: The Tar Heel State

Statehood: November 21, 1789 (12th state)

State Motto: Esse quam videri (To be rather than to seem)

The region now known as North Carolina was inhabited by hunter-gatherer communities at least 10,000 years ago. Throughout history, various Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, Woodland, and Mississippian tribes, established their presence in the area.

In the 1500s, European explorers arrived in North Carolina, marking the beginning of European influence in the region. Eventually, in 1789, North Carolina became the 12th colony, shortly after the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. However, on May 20, 1861, North Carolina seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 states that fought against the Union during the Civil War.

• North Carolina was a haven for the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who plundered ships along the coast during the early 1700s. Additionally, in 1799, a glittering nugget was discovered in the mountains of North Carolina, marking the first gold finding in what is now the United States.
• Fast-forwarding about a century, the pioneering Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, achieved the first successful flight of an airplane in the sandy dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903. This accomplishment is commemorated on the state's license plates and quarters, bearing the phrases "First in Flight" and "First Flight," respectively.
• North Carolina is also the birthplace of several notable individuals, including jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, President James K. Polk, and quite possibly President Andrew Jackson, who was born on the border of North and South Carolina.
• A visit to the Outer Banks, a chain of islands offering beaches, state parks, and shipwreck-diving sites, is highly recommended. Among these islands, Roanoke Island holds historical significance as the site of the first English colony in the New World. In the late 1500s, the settlers mysteriously vanished, leaving behind the enigma of the Lost Colony, which historians continue to unravel.

1. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains: Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans across North Carolina and Tennessee, and discover breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife.
2. Relax on the Outer Banks: Enjoy the pristine beaches and coastal beauty of the Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and water sports.
3. Discover Historic Sites: Visit historical landmarks such as the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, a grand mansion with stunning gardens, or explore the colonial-era town of Wilmington, known for its charming architecture and riverfront.
4. Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, a picturesque road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering panoramic views, hiking trails, and picturesque stops along the way.
5. Indulge in Southern Cuisine: Sample North Carolina's renowned culinary delights, including barbecue, fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea. Explore local eateries and restaurants that celebrate the region's rich food culture.