North Carolina Statehood Anniversary
North Carolina became the twelfth state on November 21, 1789, when the General Assembly convened in Fayetteville to ratify the United States Constitution.
North Carolina earned the nickname “Tar Heel State” in the 18th century due to its pivotal role in producing tar for naval use. Workers in the naval stores industry were dubbed “tar heels” due to the sticky resin on their feet. This term later evolved to represent all North Carolinians, highlighting the state’s historical contributions to the naval stores industry.
The North Carolina state flag features a blue vertical stripe, a single white star, and a red field. The blue stripe symbolizes loyalty and constancy, while the red field signifies courage and hardiness. The white star, historically associated with another of the state’s nicknames, “The Old North State,” represents North Carolina’s individuality and distinct position among the American states.
The two dates on the North Carolina state flag hold historical significance:
May 20, 1775: This date marks the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, a document that predates the United States Declaration of Independence. It is associated with the residents of Mecklenburg County declaring their independence from British rule.
April 12, 1776: This date corresponds to the Halifax Resolves, where North Carolina became the first colony to officially authorize its delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence from British rule. This resolution was a crucial step towards the Declaration of Independence later that year.
These dates highlight North Carolina’s early commitment to the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War era.
Enjoy some fun facts about North Carolina:
- First in Flight: North Carolina is widely considered the birthplace of aviation. Brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight in Kitty Hawk on December 17, 1903.
- Seaside Beauty: The Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, are known for their stunning beaches, wild horses, and historic sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
- Great Smoky Mountains: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is the most visited national park in the United States.
- Barbecue Capital: The state is renowned for its barbecue, and there are different styles across regions. Eastern North Carolina barbecue typically features whole hog cooking and a vinegar-based sauce, while Western North Carolina barbecue leans towards pork shoulder and a tomato-based sauce.
Explore the diverse tapestry of North Carolina, where innovation takes flight, barbecue is an art form, and natural beauty abounds in the mountains and along the coast.