North Carolina

A colony of small farmers between the grandee societies of Virginia and South Carolina, North Carolina earned the nickname the 'Rip Van Winkle state' for its early quiet. It seceded reluctantly in 1861 yet supplied more Confederate troops than any other state. Tobacco, textiles and furniture built its economy, now reshaped by the Research Triangle and banking in Charlotte.

• Existed: 1653 CE – present
• Type: Entity
• Government: U.S. State
• Capital: Raleigh