Welcome to North Carolina, a state deeply rooted in both American history and natural beauty, nestled comfortably in the Southeastern United States. This vibrant state, ranking as the 28th largest by area and the 9th most populous among the 50 states, offers a diverse landscape and rich cultural tapestry. Its borders paint a clear picture: Virginia to the north, the vast Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia and South Carolina to the south, and the majestic Tennessee to the west, creating a unique geographic crossroads.

At its heart lies Raleigh, the esteemed state capital, while Charlotte shines as North Carolina’s largest metropolis. The greater Charlotte metropolitan area, boasting an estimated population of over 2.5 million in 2018, stands as the most populous urban center in North Carolina, the 23rd most populous in the nation, and impressively, holds the distinction of being the largest banking center in the United States outside of New York City. Just a short distance away, the Raleigh-Durham-Cary combined statistical area, with an estimated population nearing 2.1 million in 2019, forms the state's second-largest metropolitan hub. This dynamic region is famously home to Research Triangle Park, the largest research park in the entire United States, a testament to North Carolina's prowess in innovation and technology.

A Journey Through North Carolina's Rich History

The story of human presence in North Carolina stretches back an astonishing 10,000 years, with the earliest evidence discovered at the Hardaway Site. Before European settlers arrived, this land was home to various Native American nations, including the Carolina Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan-speaking tribes, each leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and its early culture. Established as a royal colony in 1729, North Carolina quickly became one of the original Thirteen Colonies. Its very name, "North Carolina," is a tribute to King Charles I of England, who first chartered the English colony, with "Carolus" being the Latin form of "Charles."

North Carolina played a pivotal role in the quest for American independence. On April 12, 1776, the state adopted the Halifax Resolves, a groundbreaking resolution that marked the first formal call for independence from Great Britain among the American Colonies during the tumultuous American Revolution. Later, on November 21, 1789, North Carolina proudly became the 12th state to ratify the United States Constitution. However, the state's journey through American history also included difficult chapters. In the run-up to the American Civil War, North Carolina declared its secession from the Union on May 20, 1861, becoming the tenth of eleven states to join the Confederate States of America. Following the war's conclusion, the state was formally restored to the Union on July 4, 1868, embarking on a path of reunification and rebuilding.

First in Flight, First in Freedom

Beyond its colonial and civil war history, North Carolina holds a unique place in global innovation. On December 17, 1903, a monumental achievement in human endeavor occurred at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina's Outer Banks, when Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully piloted the world's first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft. This incredible feat of ingenuity is proudly commemorated on North Carolina's state license plates with the slogan "First in Flight." Alongside this, a newer alternative design bears the slogan "First in Freedom," a poignant reference to both the Mecklenburg Declaration and the aforementioned Halifax Resolves, underscoring the state's dual legacy of pioneering spirit and commitment to liberty.

North Carolina's Diverse Landscapes and Climate

Geographically, North Carolina is a marvel of contrasts, defined by a dramatic range of elevations and captivating landscapes. Traveling from west to east, the state’s topography gracefully descends from the towering peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, through the rolling hills of the Piedmont, and finally flattens into the expansive Atlantic coastal plain. Within this varied terrain lies Mount Mitchell, soaring to an impressive 6,684 feet (2,037 meters), claiming the title of the highest point in North America east of the Mississippi River. While most of the state enjoys a humid subtropical climate, the rugged, western mountainous regions experience a distinct subtropical highland climate, adding to the state’s incredible environmental diversity.

William Woods Holden: A Governor in Tumultuous Times

The political landscape of North Carolina during the critical Reconstruction Era was significantly shaped by figures like William Woods Holden (November 24, 1818 – March 1, 1892). An influential American politician, Holden served as both the 38th and 40th Governor of North Carolina. His initial brief term began in 1865 when he was appointed by President Andrew Johnson, and he was subsequently elected in 1868, serving until 1871. During this challenging period, Holden emerged as a leading figure of the state's Republican Party, navigating the complex political and social reforms following the Civil War.

Holden’s tenure was marked by significant controversy, leading to a unique place in American history: he was the second governor in American history to be impeached and, notably, the first to be removed from office through that process. His impeachment, largely considered politically motivated, stemmed from his firm suppression of the Ku Klux Klan during a period of intense civil unrest, often referred to as the Kirk-Holden War. After the Republicans lost the 1870 election, the Democratic-controlled legislature impeached him on eight charges for his actions. To this day, William Woods Holden remains the only North Carolina governor ever to have been impeached. Decades later, in a significant act of historical reassessment, the North Carolina Senate posthumously pardoned him in 2011, acknowledging the politically charged circumstances of his removal.

North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about the fascinating state of North Carolina:

What are North Carolina's largest cities and its capital?

North Carolina's capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte. The Charlotte metropolitan area is the most populous in the state, while the Raleigh-Durham-Cary area is the second largest.

What significant historical events is North Carolina known for?

North Carolina is famous for adopting the Halifax Resolves (the first formal call for independence from Great Britain), being the 12th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, and the Wright brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903. It also played a key role as one of the Thirteen Colonies and during the American Civil War.

Where is the highest point in North Carolina?

The highest point in North Carolina, and indeed in North America east of the Mississippi River, is Mount Mitchell, which stands at 6,684 feet (2,037 meters) in the Appalachian Mountains.

Who was William Woods Holden and why is he a notable figure?

William Woods Holden served as the 38th and 40th Governor of North Carolina during the Reconstruction Era. He is notable as the only North Carolina governor to be impeached and removed from office, a decision that was later posthumously pardoned, stemming from his actions against the Ku Klux Klan during a politically charged period.

What slogans are found on North Carolina license plates?

North Carolina license plates feature the slogan "First in Flight" to commemorate the Wright brothers' historic achievement at Kitty Hawk. An alternative design also includes "First in Freedom," referencing the Halifax Resolves and Mecklenburg Declaration.