Unit Study Supplement: North Carolina Facts, U.S. 12th State

Resting along the coastline and containing rivers, forests, and mountains, the beautiful state of North Carolina not only offers gorgeous geography but great history as well. As one of the original 13 colonies, North Carolina’s historical legacy is strong; beginning some of the first initial attempts of colonization in the New World and holding stories of pirates, wars, mysteries, and independence. This unit study supplement gives you information regarding North Carolina facts and history, geography, and fun, beautiful destinations to visit within the state.

You can also download our list of PreK-12 interactive lessons that align with your study of interesting facts about North Carolina.

North Carolina Fast Facts

Became a State	November 21, 1789
Order it Joined the Union	12th state
State Capital	Raleigh
State Abbreviation	NC
Border States	South Carolina Georgia Tennessee Virginia
State Flag
State Songs	The Old North State
State Flower	Flowering Dogwood
State Nicknames	Tar Heel State Old North State
Notable North Carolinians	O. Henry, Short Story Writer Michael Jordan, Professional NBA Player Dale Earnhardt, Professional Race Car Driver Andrew Jackson, 7th U.S. President James K. Polk, 11th U.S. President Andrew Johnson, 17th U.S. President Clay Aiken, Singer Charlie Rose, Television Journalist Andy Griffith, Actor

Historical Facts About North Carolina

Throughout its history, North Carolina experienced many shifts and changes regarding the inhabitants. The territory is believed to have been inhabited 10,000 years before Europeans arrived in the 1500’s. At this time, many indian tribes were established, including the Chowanoke, Roanoke, Coree, Cape Fear, Waxhaw, and Catawba. Then, upon discovery of the land, Europeans began to trickle in and attempt colonization.

Giovanni da Verrazzano began the exploration of North Carolina by mapping out the coast in 1524. Following him, several other spanish explorers launched expeditions to gather territory or colonize the land. One explorer, Juan Pardo arrived in North Carolina with the intention of claiming territory for Spain. As he traveled through the New World, he established 6 forts, leaving men to watch over each. Fort San Juan was established in modern day Burke County, North Carolina in 1567. Unfortunately, after 18 months, native indians attacked and killed most of the stationed men at Fort San Juan and burned the structure to the ground.

Following Spanish failure, Englishmen began colonization for their country.  In 1584, Queen Elizabeth I granted permission to Sir Walter Raleigh for settlement in present day North Carolina. Raleigh sponsored several expeditions including one by Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe as well as the attempted colonization of Roanoke Island off the coast. The “Lost Colony” of Roanoke leaves a living mystery. When the small colony who had arrived on the Island in 1587 began lacking supplies, they sent their governor, John White, back to England. Leaving his family and colony, White traveled to England to beg for supplies and help. His immediate return to Roanoke was delayed for 3 years due to the Anglo-Spanish War. When he finally arrived back at Roanoke Island in 1590, he found it completely deserted with only one previous sign of them; the word “Croatoan” carved into a wood post. This was the name of a nearby Island and Indian tribe with the same name.

The rocky coasts of North Carolina prevented easy access, thus, the territory became widely populated by Englishmen moving down from Virginia in 1650. These people became the first permanent settlers in North Carolina. Later, King Charles II granted permission for colonization in North America in 1663; this grant led to the general establishment of the “Province of Carolina” borders. Soon, extreme tensions and differences between the North and South of Carolina led to their division in 1712.  Following the separation, North Carolina temporarily became an English Royal Colony.

On April 12, 1776, North Carolina became the first to instruct its delegates to vote for independence against the British. Then, following the American Revolution, North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the constitution on November 21, 1789.

In 1860, during the Civil War, North Carolina was a slave state. However she refrained seceding from the Union until President Lincoln asked them to attack South Carolina. The command caused their secession on May 20, 1861. Although few battles were fought in the state, they sent more troops to fight for the confederacy than any other confederate state.

Get your child learning about North Carolina’s history with these quick highlights in the timeline below.

Bring history and geography to life with Time4Learning’s interactive online social studies curriculum for grades 2-12.

Geographical Facts About North Carolina

The beautiful destination of North Carolina contains a variety of natural features including rivers, forests, beaches, and mountains. It is ranked as the 28th largest state land wise, and 9th most populous with 100 counties. The geography of North Carolina divides into 3 main sections: the mountainous area in the west, the central Piedmont Plain and the Atlantic Coastal Plains in the east.

Parts of the Appalachian Mountains are located in North Carolina’s mountainous quarter along with other mountains like The Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains. Central Piedmont Plain is the most populated and urbanized region, including 6 of North Carolina’s highest populated cities. This area also consists of rivers and small, isolated mountains like Pilot Mountain, the Uwharrie Mountains, the Brushy Mountains, and the South Mountains.

Finally, the Atlantic Coastal Plain is the largest part of North Carolina, consuming 45% of the land. In this region, there are barrier islands, rivers, and coastal forests, along with rich soil beneficial for growing tobacco, cotton, soybeans and melons.

• The first successful flight in history occurred at Kill Devils Hills on the coast of NC, 200 miles east of Raleigh.
• Raleigh, the state capital is located in the northeast central region of the state.
• Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain in Eastern North America and of the Appalachian Mountains  is located in North Carolina. The height reaches 6,684 ft.
• North Carolina is a native home to the Venus Flytrap plant.
• The first gold nugget discovered in North America was found in Little Meadow Creek,  just northeast of Charlotte,NC.
• The waters of Cape Hatteras are nicknamed “Graveyard of the Atlantic” in reference to numerous shipwrecks the dangerous waters have caused. The Cape Hatteras is located off the east coast of North Carolina.
• Forests cover nearly 60% of North Carolina.
• High Point is the only city in North Carolina that extends into 4 counties.
• The nickname “Tar Heel State” comes from a time when the state produced high amounts of tar.
• North Carolina has 18 rivers within its borders including Cape Fear River, Neuse River, Pee Dee River and Catawba River.

Activities for Children in North Carolina

Whether you are a homeschooler in North Carolina, or just a family who is planning a trip to the Tar Heel State in the near future, you should be aware of some of the educational destinations in the state. Enhance your North Carolina state facts study with these homeschool field trip ideas.

• The Outer Banks – In addition to the beautiful ocean scenery barrier islands of the Outer Banks provide, the shore also carries historical background as the first place Europeans attempted settlement in North America. On the Outer Banks, you can enjoy the beauty of the islands while reminiscing the history.
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum  – A museum created to honor over 2,000 ships that met their end off the coast of Cape Hatteras. It contains artifacts from destroyed ships and exhibits regarding the Hatteras Islands, Piracy and the Civil War.
• Battleship North Carolina –  Walk along the deck of a powerful weapon of the sea that was once used in World War II. This hands-on, wondrous historical artifact teaches the ship’s contribution to the war, provides stories of soldiers and allows you to experience roles soldiers carried out during the war.
• Cape Lookout – Upon your arrival of the island, Cape Lookout calls for adventure and fun times. It offers various activities such as fishing, lighthouse climbing, touring historic villages and camping. The geographical beauty and exciting activities provide a naturally enjoyable destination. Entrance is free, however the ferry ride to reach the island, as well as activities and camping will cost.
• Wright Brothers Memorial – The first successful flight by the Wright brothers was completed in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Taking advantage of the original location, the Wright Brothers Memorial teaches facts about the pair of brothers while offering numerous exhibits that display the original plane design, daily life of the Wright brothers and more.
• Old Salem – Old Salem revives the lifestyle of early southerners. On display through historical traditions using reserved objects, buildings and landscapes, accompanied by knowledgeable historians and cultural actors; you are assured an enjoyable visit that will allow you to experience life during this time in history.

For more educational field trip ideas in North Carolina read this post!

North Carolina Freebies and Deals for Homeschoolers

• Blue Ridge Parkway – This beautiful national park provides a gorgeous roadway coated with aspects of the breathtaking beauty of nature. Along its path are numerous destinations and activities to enjoy for free such as hiking, fishing, museums, camping, experience a tour for an added fee.
• Mount Mitchell State Park – As eastern North America’s highest point above sea level, this is another state park laced with history and natural beauty that would provide a wonderful field trip. Discover astonishing views at the highest point of the Appalachian Mountains and it’s cultural history as one of the nation’s first state parks.
• Fort Raleigh – Serving as England’s first home in the New World, this historical site reserves their first settlements as well as the history of native Americans and more. Additionally, it preserves the memory of the dwellers of Roanoke Island with a live-action play inside the park. The site is free to enter, but additional exhibits inside require payment, including The Lost Colony play and the Elizabethan Gardens.
• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – North Carolina’s most visited museum is an extravagant resource with numerous exhibits and an iconic globe resting on the outside of its building. This museum includes exhibits regarding live animals, dinosaurs, bugs, hidden gems and much more! Inside its walls, you will discover scientific facts of life and opportunities for involvement. General admission is free, though donations are appreciated. The museum also offers homeschool classes monthly from September through May.  The class fee changes per class.
• The Mint Museum  – North Carolina’s first art museum provides various artistic aspects including paintings, crafts and activities. The museum ties together art from around the world with intentions to preserve and display human creations and inspire creativity in others. The museum is free to visit on Wednesdays from 5-9pm. Come admire artistic outlets of others and welcome creative stimulation in your spirit.
• The Billy Graham Library – Designed to reflect the life of Billy Graham who was known as “America’s Evangelist”, this library displays the journey of his life and his spiritual influence.

North Carolina Learning Games for Children

Make sure to check out these available resources to assess your child’s knowledge about North Carolina.