We might be a bit biased, but we think North Carolina is one of the most interesting of the lower 48 states. From the mountains and rolling hills, to the pine forests and beautiful coastline, North Carolina has it all! If you live in North Carolina, you know it is rich in history too, from influential places and people, the Tar Heel State has helped shape the United States. From historical facts to fun tidbits about our great state, there is so much to learn about North Carolina. We don’t claim to have the exhausted list below, but here are some fun things you might not have known about our amazing state.
- Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
- The University of NC at Chapel Hill claims to be the oldest public university in the U.S. – the university first opened its doors in 1795.
- North Carolina grows more sweet potatoes than any other state.
- High Point, North Carolina is the “Furniture Capital of the World.”
- Putt-Putt Golf was created in Fayetteville, North Carolina by Don Clayton in 1954.
- North Carolina’s state song and state toast are called “The Old North State”. North Carolina is the only state with an official drinking toast.
- The Northern Cardinal is the state bird.
- The Venus Flytrap plant is native to North Carolina.
- North Carolina was one of the original colonies.
- Milk was designated the official state beverage of North Carolina in 1987.
- The Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned house in the U.S., and is located in Asheville, North Carolina.
- Texas Pete Hot Sauce is actually from North Carolina.
- Asheville, NC has the most breweries per capita in the U.S., boasting roughly 100 local craft beers. Did you miss the fact about our state toast?!
- The state motto is Esse Quam Videri: To be rather than to seem.
- Emeralds are naturally occurring in North Carolina. “Hiddenite”, the town in NC where the gemstone was found is named in its honor.
- Every North Carolina resident lives within a 30-minute drive of a community college campus.
We have only just scratched the surface when it comes to fascinating things about North Carolina, but it’s easy to see why we think it is one of the most interesting states in the USA.