History and little-known facts are simply fascinating. Especially since North Carolina has played a crucial role in the development of the country, world....and even outer space! Read below to find out some jaw-dropping facts about the ole' Tar Heel state.
1. Mile-High
The Mile-High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather is located at 5,280 ft. above sea level. On a clear day, you can see the Charlotte skyline from the bridge.
2. A whole lot of piracy.
It wasn't just Blackbeard who flocked to North Carolina. Famous female pirates like Anne Bonny made history here. Why did pirates like North Carolina so much? The governor, Charles Eden, turned a blind eye to the pirate's unlawful actions in exchange for the loot. It was even rumored he was friends with his neighbor, Blackbeard. Casual.
3. The giant chest of drawers.
North Carolina leads the nation in furniture, tobacco, brick, and textile production. The giant drawers are clearly an ode to our state's ties in the furniture industry, but the socks represent the state's hosiery industry.
4. A world record.
You'll find the world's largest ten commandments in Murphy.
5. One small step for man.
The material used for the first American flag erected on the moon was made in Rhodhiss, a small town in the foothills, at Burlington Mills.
6. Homerun history!
On March 7th 1914, during a scrimmage against the Baltimore Orioles, Babe Ruth hit his first home run of his professional career in Fayetteville.
7. Another Fayetteville first.
Putt putt, a type of miniature golf, was invented in Fayetteville in 1954. It all started at 'Putt-Putt Fun Center.' Today, it's an internationally known pastime.
8. First revolutionaries.
As one of the 13 original colonies, North Carolina was the first to tell its delegates to vote for independence from the British Crown during the Continental Congress.
9. A lot of sweet.
North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the nation. Oh, and there are petitions intact in order to make it the official state vegetable.
10. Coup D'etat.
The only coup d'etat in U.S history occurred in Wilmington in 1898. It's actually a quite terrible event (nothing to be proud of ) and has been referred to as the Wilmington Massacre.
11. Protecting our country.
You'll find the largest Marine Corps air base in the nation at 'Cherry Point' in Havelock.
12. Surprising history.
During WWII, North Carolina had over 10,000 enemies detained in 18 prisoner of war camps throughout the state.
13. More than just a sight to see.
Grandfather Mountain is the only private park in the world that is also listed as an International Biosphere Reserve by the U.N.
14. Nothing civil about it.
North Carolina had and lost the most troops in the confederacy during the War Against the States. Another extremely controversial topic is the number of North Carolina deserters during the Civil War. North Carolina had one of the highest desertion rates, but the exact number has never been discovered. Sources say North Carolina felt victimized by the VA press, and thus, the number of deserters or rumors of great NC desertion rates is simply that, a rumor. Any history buffs in the house?
15. All that blue you see...
Is actually caused by the trees emitting isoprene into the atmosphere.
Did you know any of these fifteen? Which one surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments!
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