North Carolina State Archives |
The Tar Heel State
One of America's original 13 states, North Carolina's landscape varies from the coastal Outer Banks, through the Heartland, to the High Country and the tallest peaks in the East. The state is proud of its history, from the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk to one of America's earliest mysteries at Roanoke's Lost colony.
Recreation ammenities are not far away at the state's three dozen state parks. The National Parks Service also maintains miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, national historic sites and trails. While Civil War battlefields, national seashores, the Appalachian Trail and the half million acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park are also very popular. Famous for its spectacular mountains, Colonial Heritage towns and colorful fall foliage, it's easy to see way the land is covered with 47 scenic and historic byways.