1. North Carolina is the "land of the long leaf pine."
The toast was first read by the Rev. Walter W. Moore in May 1904 in Richmond at a banquet hosted by the North Carolina Society of Richmond. Moore’s toast came from “The Old North State,” a poem, written by Leonora Monteiro Martin, which was reportedly commissioned for the event.
The full text of the toast reads:
Here’s to the land of the long leaf pine,
The summer land where the sun doth shine,
Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great,
Here’s to “Down Home,” the Old North State!
-North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
2. North Carolinians are Tar Heels.
During colonial times, North Carolina was a key supplier of naval stores. The tar, pitch, and turpentine produced by our longleaf pine trees, bountiful in the eastern part of the state, were used to coat wooden ships to prevent leaking and damage from shipworms.
Like tar to heels, the nickname stuck. It would take a while for “Tar Heels” to be used to describe the state and its people as a whole. As for what is likely the first documented use of the phrase “Tar Heels,” we can look to the Civil War. One of the most popular explanations for the name gaining traction is recorded in Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-1865.
As the story goes, North Carolina troops managed to singlehandedly and successfully fight in the battle without the aid of other states. When it was all said and done, most of the other regiments were gracious about it with the exception of one from Virginia.
(Insert another oh-so-subtle reminder here that North Carolina is the “vale of humility between two mountains of conceit.”)
“Any more tar down in the Old North State, boys?” the regiment asked, condescendingly.
“No, not a bit. Old Jeff’s bought it all up,” the North Carolinians replied, alluding to Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy.
“Is that so? What is he going to do with it?”
“He is going to put it on you’ns heels to make you stick better in the next fight.”
3. North Carolina and Ohio debate "first in flight."
"Ohio and North Carolina drew a line on the tarmac Thursday in the fight over who was first to make a powered airplane flight.
Ohio license plates proclaim the state is the "Birthplace of Aviation" while North Carolina tags say the state is "First in Flight." Connecticut believes both are wrong.
There, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed a law this summer saying German-born aviator and Bridgeport, Conn., resident Gustave Whitehead was the first to make a powered flight.
The state went on record saying Whitehead made his flight in 1901 – two years before Wilbur and Orville Wright lifted off on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The brothers were from Ohio.
5. Appalachian State fans boo for mispronunciation.
Appalachian State Fans Boo Referee After He Pronounces It “Appa-Lay-Shun”
6. Throw an apple atcha.
“If you say appa-laysha, someone will likely throw an apple atcha.”
7. Types of barbecue
In North Carolina, eastern-style N.C. barbecue is known for its vinegar base and peppery bite, which makes it lighter -- and spicier -- than its western counterpart. Western-style, sometimes called "Lexington style" barbecue, features a rich, sweet sauce typically made with butter, sugar and ketchup.
The Carolina BBQ wars: vinegar, tomato or mustard?
8. Last day to vote early
In 2020, the in-person early voting period begins Thursday, October 15, and ends Saturday, October 31.
9. Same-day registration
Individuals who are not registered to vote in a county may register at early voting sites during the early voting period. After registering, the newly registered voter can immediately vote at that same site. This process is called “same-day registration.”
10. Woodrow Wilson is from Virginia.
Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born on December 28, 1856, in Staunton, Virginia.
11. North Carolina's presidents
President Jackson’s mother gave birth in a remote area along the North Carolina-South Carolina border.
James K. Polk served from 1845 to 1849 and was our nation’s 11th president. He was born in present-day Pineville, located in Mecklenburg County.
Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, served from 1865 to 1869. The log cabin he lived in as a child is located in Mordecai Historic Park run by the City of Raleigh.
-North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources