- Fast Facts -
One of the South Atlantic States and bordered by Virginia (north), South Carolina (south), Tennessee (west), Georgia (southwest) and the Atlantic Ocean (east) it was originally known as the Province of Carolina. The Province separated into the northern and southern portions in 1729 forming what are now the states North Carolina and South Carolina. North Carolina was admitted to the Union in November, 1789.
Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean are the Outer Banks,
a narrow, sandy string of islands that form a barrier between the ocean and the two "sounds". Albemarle and Pamlico Sound are the two largest landlocked sounds in the United States. Cape Hatteras, on Hatteras Island, while beautiful to look at, is the highest risk area for
hurricanes along the eastern seaboard. Its stormy waters and vast expanse of sandbars have caused so many vessel losses throughout history that the area has earned the name "Graveyard of the Atlantic."
Further inland is found a rich agricultural region that gradually transitions into the Piedmont range which include Brushy, Crowder's, King's Pinnacle, Pilot, Sauratown, South and Uwharrie mountains. The western region of North Carolina contain a portion of the Appalachian Mountain range. Mount Mitchell, part of the Black Mountains, is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Also found here are Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Balsam Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains.
North Carolina has a land area of 53,819 square miles and is divided into 100 counties. The state capital is Raleigh and the largest city is Charlotte.
The genealogical records held here are for use by the general public. These records have been submitted to the USGenNet Data Repository by volunteers and researchers just like you for permanent on-line free-access.
