Welcome to the North Carolina Encyclopedia.

Counties and Communities | Education | Geography | Health and Society | History | People | State Government | State Symbols

This encyclopedia is designed to give you an overview of the people, the government, the history, and the resources of North Carolina. The information is organized into the broad information categories listed below. Most of these categories offer an opportunity to select either more specific or additional information on a particular topic.

The North Carolina Encyclopedia is a work under construction. New text, additional text, and new graphics are being added as often as possible. Please visit the Encyclopedia again to see what is new!

THE COUNTIES AND COMMUNITIES

County Government. An historical overview of the developments and changes in the roles of county government over 400 years of North Carolina history
County History. A brief look at the origins of all 100 of North Carolina's counties.
County Profiles. An overview of state and county demographic and economic data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Choose a county from the list or select it from a county map.
County Pronunciations. A guide to pronouncing all the county names, from the North Carolina Collection at UNC-Chapel Hill.

EDUCATION

The University of North Carolina System. The history and development of the nation's oldest state university from its modest origins in 1795 to today's sixteen campuses.
The Community College System. An extensive system of local institutions making higher education accessible to every North Carolinian.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Information about North Carolina's eleven historically black colleges and universities.
Private Higher Education. An overview of the many private institutions which provide excellent educational opportunities to students from North Carolina and around the world.

GEOGRAPHY

A brief survey of North Carolina's topography and population, and places where you can get more information.

HEALTH AND SOCIETY

HISTORY

Chronology. A brief navigation through 400 years of North Carolina history from the original native inhabitants and Sir Walter Raleigh to the Wright Brothers and the twentieth century and all points in between.
Historic Sites. A descriptive and informative visit to some of the Old North State's most historic places.

PEOPLE

Many North Carolinians have made a difference in our State, our country and in the world. Some of the people in this section are North Carolinians by birth while others are North Carolinians by choice. Both groups have had their lives shaped by their experiences in the Old North State. Let us introduce you to some special people who have called North Carolina home. 2008 North Carolina Award winners added .

STATE GOVERNMENT

Governmental Summary. Trace the evolution and development of North Carolina's state government.
The Constitution of North Carolina. Examine the complete State Constitution of North Carolina as well as a historic overview of its growth.
Cabinet and Council of State. A complete list of North Carolina's current Cabinet and Council of State.
North Carolina Governors. Browse the roll of 400 years of North Carolina chief executives.

STATE SYMBOLS

From the State Dog to the State Beverage to the State Vegetable, browse the varied list of official North Carolina symbols and emblems. Updated in 2007.

CREDITS

Citations. A list of contributing resources that made the North Carolina Encyclopedia possible.

USER INPUT

The North Carolina Encyclopedia is a work in progress. If you have ideas, comments, suggestions, or questions concerning the present encyclopedia or its future, please contact us using a Reference inquiry form. We are interested in any user feedback and opinions.

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