Cities In North Carolina - Quick Facts, History & Geography
North Carolina Quick Facts
North Carolina became the 12th state to join the United States on November 21, 1789. There are a total of 760 towns and cities in North Carolina. The capital city of North Carolina is Raleigh, which is part of the Research Triangle area. Charlotte is the largest city in the state and a major financial and commercial hub and has a population of 873,570. North Carolina played a significant role in the American Revolution and the Civil War. Historic sites like Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and Fort Fisher State Historic Site offer insights into these periods. The state is home to prestigious universities, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University and Duke University. The Wright Brothers achieved the first powered flight in Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks in 1903, marking a monumental moment in aviation history. The Research Triangle area, encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, is known for its concentration of research institutions, technology companies, and universities. North Carolina is celebrated for its distinctive barbecue styles, with Eastern and Western varieties. The state's culinary scene also features fresh seafood, Southern comfort food and diverse international flavors. The state nickname is the "Tar Hell State." North Carolina is the birthplace of Pepsi going back to 1893. Krispy Kreme was founded in North Carolina in 1937. Mini-putt golf was born in North Carolina back in 1954 by Don Clayton. North Carolina is the 28th largest state by land size and the 9th most populated. North Carolina grows more sweet potatoes than any other state, making up more than 60% of the total growth. Famous people from North Carolina includes Zach Galifianakis, Clay Aiken, Michael Jordan, Ava Gardner, Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, Luke Combs, Randy Travis and John Coltrane.
The History of North Carolina
Long before European contact, Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, Catawba and Tuscarora inhabited the region now known as North Carolina. European explorers like Giovanni da Verrazzano and Hernando de Soto ventured into the area during the 16th century, but it was English explorer John White who established the first English colony at Roanoke Island in 1585, which famously became known as the "Lost Colony." English settlers arrived in the late 17th century and established Carolina as a proprietary colony. North and South Carolina were separate entities until they were officially split in 1712. The state's economy depended on agriculture, with tobacco being a significant cash crop. North Carolina played a crucial role in the American Revolution. The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in 1776 marked an early victory for patriot forces, and the state's Declaration of Independence in 1775 was a pivotal step toward breaking ties with Britain. North Carolina was the last Southern state to secede from the Union in 1861. It saw significant battles during the Civil War, including the Battle of Bentonville. After the war, the state underwent a challenging period of Reconstruction and change. North Carolina played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. Greensboro's Woolworth's lunch counter sit-ins in 1960 and the Wilmington Ten case highlighted the struggle for racial equality. The latter half of the 20th century saw the emergence of the Research Triangle Park, a hub for technology and research that includes Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.
The Geography of North Carolina
North Carolina is bordered by Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia. Carolina boasts a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, spanning approximately 300 miles. The Outer Banks, a series of barrier islands, are renowned for their pristine beaches, unique ecosystems and historic sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The eastern part of the state is characterized by flat, low-lying coastal plains that support agricultural growth. The Piedmont region features rolling hills and valleys making it another key agricultural and industrial area. The western part of North Carolina is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains, including The Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is part of the region and is shared with Tennessee. Stretching through the western part of the state, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic highway that offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a popular route for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Cape Fear River, one of North Carolina's major rivers, flows through the coastal plains and into the Atlantic Ocean. It has played a significant role in the state's history and economy.
North Carolina Relocation Guide
North Carolina is an interesting state because it features so many different things. A map of North Carolina cities will show that on one side of the state, you have miles of beaches, including the famed Outer Banks, where many hotels are events take place. In addition to that, there is a major financial and banking center in the middle of the state with Charlotte. Relocation is a big deal right now in the Raleigh area, where people are flocking for new jobs in the research triangle. Likewise, travel is a big deal, with many of the best hotels and destinations in the country being found in the mountains of western North Carolina.
North Carolina cities are different than many of its southeastern neighbors in that most areas are doing well financially. The economy is still vibrant, with more jobs being produced in the big cities like Charlotte and Raleigh. The weather provides almost a full four seasons, but the summers are quite hot. Spring and fall in North Carolina provide great temperatures and picturesque scenes across the state. Right now, crime is not a huge problem in most of the cities and the cost of living all over North Carolina is much lower than what you would find in a big market. This is why many folks find North Carolina to be a great place to relocate right now.
The crime rates for most North Carolina cities are about the same as the national average. Larger cities like Charlotte and Greensboro do have higher crime rates as they are both major metropolitan areas. Smaller cities in North Carolina are typically much safer.
