North Carolina

Coastal North Carolina was home to the first English speaking colonists in the 1580's. Original homes built by one of those first expeditions on Roanoke Island are still standing today. This is also where two important events in the history of the country occurred. The first Indians were baptized here and the first child of the English speaking settlers was born. Her name was Virginia Dare.

These colonists faced many hardships and supplies ran short. It was necessary for a party of men to return to England for provisions. The return trip was delayed because the impending attack by the Spanish Armada. When the expedition returned in 1590 they found only shattered remnants of the colony. The word "CROATAN" was carved into a tree; there were no signs of life. The mystery of the disappearance of this settlement has never been explained successfully.

North Carolina was the first colony to proclaim independence from England in 1776. Seventy six years later, to the day, she became the last state to secede from the Union and join the Confederacy. North Carolina was not a wealthy state, but during the Civil War it provided more men and supplies to the Confederate cause than any other state. She also suffered more losses than any other Confederate state during the war.

It took many, many years for the state to recover from the war.

The 1900's would bring about the needed changes and recovery for the state. Education programs were implemented that marked a turning point for North Carolina. The Wright Brothers made their first powered flight from Kitty Hawk. Road building programs were started that gave the state the nickname of "The Good Roads State". Education, industry and agriculture has given the state many successes in the recent years.

The mountains of North Carolina provide visitors with awe-inspiring waterfalls, lush forests, crystal lakes and the opportunity to hike, fish, boat and relax. A new state park, DuPont Forest is 10,000 acres of rolling hills and waterfalls. Whatever your fitness level, there are trails to explore and beautiful vistas to enjoy.

The coastline of North Carolina offers "out-of-this-world" state parks. Jones Lake State Park and Bladen Lakes State Forest are considered a geological mystery. Wetland depressions known as Carolina bays are scattered across the southeast part of the country. However, the most impressive ones are found in North Carolina.. These almost perfectly oval lakes have high, sand ridges around the outer rims and swamp-like interiors with highly acidic waters. It is suggested that these are the result of a meteor assault.

Along with all these natural wonders are a myriad of theaters, festivals, museums, auto racing, golf and excellent cuisine. North Carolina's National Black Theater Festival is one of the best in the country with 20 plays and a host of Broadway and screen stars. There are snow camp outdoor theaters, watermelon festivals with a womanless beauty pageant. You can learn to knit in the Living History Workshop or enjoy fireworks at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Asheville is host to the African-Caribbean Goombay! Festival.

North Carolina Real Estate Links North Carolina Association of Realtors Local Realtors Wilmington, NC Real Estate - Wilmington, NC Real Estate Agent. Raleigh NC Real Estate - Visit Your Raleigh for all your real estate needs The Fine Coastal Living Team knows Wilmington North Carolina real estate. Find real estate listings, home value calculation tools and Wilmington information. Lakefront Property - Lake, Lakefront property and lakeview real estate in western North Carolina. Lakeview property and lake front homes on our four recreational lakes Chatuge, Hiawassee, Nottley and Blue Ridge.