The state of North Carolina is located along the eastern side of the United States, along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by four states: Virginia to the north, South Carolina and Georgia to the south, and Tennessee to the west.
In this article, we will find out specific details about the location of North Carolina, along with interesting facts and statistics about the beautiful state.
Where is North Carolina located?
North Carolina can be found in the United States of America, along the eastern coastline.
Where is North Carolina located on the United States map?
North Carolina is located on the Atlantic coast, about halfway between New York and Florida. It is bordered by four states: Virginia to the north, South Carolina and Georgia to the east, and Tennessee to the west.
How did North Carolina come to be?
North Carolina is one of the first 13 states in America. It is home to Roanoke Island, famously known for the “lost colony,” known for vanishing after settling in 1587.
What is the population of North Carolina?
The population of North Carolina, as of 2020, is around 10,453,948. It experienced growth at a very high rate during the mid-20th century due to a vibrant economy. In the last eight years specifically, the state has seen a growth of about 854,517 people. According to the World Population Review, the state has a population density of about 208.7.
How much land is in North Carolina?
The beautiful state is made up of 53,819 miles, with a width of 186 miles, and a length of 560 miles. It is considered the twenty-eighth largest state in the country. The state is made up of 48,620 miles of land, and 5,201 miles of water, making the state 90.3%. land and 9.7% water. There are 100 counties within the state!
What is the capital of North Carolina?
The capital of North Carolina is Raleigh, located in the northeast central region of the state where the Piedmont and Atlantic Coastal regions meet.
What is the terrain like in North Carolina?
The terrain of North Carolina is one of the wettest in the country. The state contains vast marshlands along the coastal area and is home to many lakes in the Piedmont and Appalachian regions.
What is the state motto?
The motto of North Carolina is “Esse Quam Videri,” meaning “To Be Rather Than To Seem.” This was adopted in 1893 by the General Assembly. Until then, they were the only state within America’s original 13 that did not have one. It is located on North Carolina’s coat of arms.
What is the national flower of North Carolina?
The national flower of North Carolina was named the dogwood in 1941. It was only named this because the state legislature tried and failed to name the flame azalea as the state flower, and the people demanded the dogwood. It’s a beautiful flower that blossoms on the dogwood tree! It’s so loved that the state has multiple dogwood festivals a year.
Historical facts about North Carolina:
- 100,000 Native Americans still live in North Carolina, making it the eighth-largest population in the US. It is the home of eight tribes: Cohari, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Sappony, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of Saponi Nation, and the Waccamaw-Siouan tribes.
- Once one colony, North Carolina and South Carolina were named by King Charles II in honor of his father, Charles I.
- Bath was the first capital of North Carolina, with New Bern being established as the first permanent capital in 1766. The government would assemble in other spots until 1792 when Raleigh was finally established as the last permanent capital.
- The state was the first to declare independence, as stated by the Mecklenburg Declaration of 1775. This is why some license plates say “First in Freedom.”
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of only three institutions claiming the title of the oldest public university. It was the first to hold classes starting in 1795.
- North Carolina was home to the first airplane flight in 1903 when the Wright Brothers flew the first self-propelled plane near Kitty Hawk. This is also why you will see “First in Flight” on license plates!
- Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in 1914, in Fayetteville.
- North Carolina Central University became the state’s first state-supported liberal arts college for African American students. The school, originally founded as a private college in 1909, was sold a few years later, being purchased by the state.
- Multiple presidents were born in North Carolina, including James K Polk from Pineville and Andrew Johnson, from Raleigh.
Geological facts about North Carolina:
- The Fall Line divides the Eastern and Central parts of North Carolina. This line runs through the east coast and is a line of erosion where hard rock changes into softer rock.
- The highest mountains in the Eastern part of the country have a home in the Western part of North Carolina. Mount Mitchell is located in Yancey County and sits at 6,684 feet, making it the highest point and the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.
- There are 12 national parks in the beautiful state of North Carolina.
Current facts about North Carolina:
- North Carolina farmers produce the largest number of sweet potatoes in the entire country, and they are the third-largest producer of strawberries.
- The state is home to the largest concentration of breweries per capita in the south of the United States, with over 300.
- North Carolina is the birthplace of many huge companies, like Krispy Kreme, Pepsi, Food Lion, and RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company.
- Multiple famous writers are from North Carolina, including Sarah Desson, Nicholas Sparks, and Maya Angelou
- Many of your favorite basketball players are from North Carolina, including Steph Curry, Chris Paul, and Bob McAdoo.
Final Thoughts
North Carolina is one of the most history-rich states in the US, and one you won’t want to miss out on visiting. There are so many things to do, whether it be related to its rich history, or experiencing its amazing land.
