By Connie Whiting
North Carolina Quick Facts
North Carolina, the 28th largest U.S. state, is home to a diverse population spread out over 53,821 square feet. Nicknamed the Tar Heel State, it offers visitors and residents alike an interesting place to explore, play, work and live.
History
On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to enter the union. The name, North Carolina, honored Charles I of England.
Famous Firsts
In 1903, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, was the site of the Wright Brothers first successful flight with a mechanical airplane. On March 7, 1914, Babe Ruth hit the first home run of his professional career in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist in New Bern, North Carolina, invented Pepsi-Cola.
Mystery
Sometime in the late1500s or early 1600s approximately 100 English settlers disappeared from their settlement on Roanoke Island. They have never been accounted for and mystery still surrounds the reason they vanished. Today the remains of that settlement's fort can be seen at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.
Barbecue
Slow cooked barbecued pork is popular in North Carolina having been served since 1919 in restaurants across the state. Lexington in particular loves barbecue, calling itself the Barbecue Capital of the World.
Natural Attractions
North Carolina is home to a variety of popular natural attractions such as The Blue Ridge National Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains and Cape Lookout National Seashores.
Resources
About the Author:
Connie Whiting has been a professional writer since 1999. She is published in Red Rock Press Anthologies and "Legacy" magazine. She is also an experienced food column writer. Past positions include certified dental assistant and virtual assistant for “Your Invisible Assistant” a service focused on travel arrangements and media writing. Currently, Connie writes for Demand Studios while pursuing an Associate of Arts.
Photo Credits:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/martinlabar/27719916/His
