Editing North Carolina

'''North Carolina''' is a state in the [[United States]], located in the [[Southeastern United States|Southeastern region]] of the country. It became the 12th state to ratify the United States Constitution on November 21, 1789. The state is the 28th largest by area and the 9th most populous. North Carolina borders [[South Carolina]] to the south, [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] to the southwest, [[Tennessee]] to the west, [[Virginia]] to the north, and the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the east.<ref>U.S. Census Bureau – State Geography Overview: https://www.census.gov</ref>

[[File:FLAGUS north carolina.gif|thumb|Flag of North Carolina]]

== Geography ==
North Carolina is commonly divided into three major geographic regions: the Mountain region, the Piedmont region, and the Coastal Plain. The state’s geography ranges from high mountain peaks to low coastal wetlands, contributing to a wide variety of ecosystems and climates.<ref>North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality – Geography and Climate: https://deq.nc.gov</ref>

=== Mountain Region ===
The Mountain region contains part of the [[Appalachian Mountains]] and includes the highest elevations in the state. It is less densely populated due to its rugged terrain. The region is home to [[Mount Mitchell]], which rises to 6,684 ft (2,037 m) and is the highest peak in the eastern United States.<ref>National Park Service – Mount Mitchell: https://www.nps.gov</ref>  
The area is known for its hardwood forests, scenic parkways, and tourism centered around hiking, outdoor recreation, and traditional Appalachian culture.

=== Piedmont Region ===
The Piedmont region is characterized by rolling hills and moderate elevations. It is the most populous region of North Carolina and contains several major cities, including [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], the state's largest city, and [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]], the state capital. Other significant cities include [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]], [[Durham, North Carolina|Durham]], and [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina|Winston-Salem]].  
The Piedmont is a major center for finance, technology, and research. The region includes the [[Research Triangle]], a major hub for scientific and technological development anchored by three major universities: Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.<ref>Research Triangle Regional Partnership – Economic Overview: https://www.researchtriangle.org</ref>

=== Coastal Plain Region ===
The Coastal Plain is a low-lying, flat region extending to the Atlantic coastline. It includes the state's beaches and barrier islands, such as the [[Outer Banks]]. The region contains extensive farmland, wetlands, and military installations, including Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg).<ref>U.S. Department of Defense – Fort Liberty Overview: https://www.defense.gov</ref>  
Major cities in this region include [[Fayetteville, North Carolina|Fayetteville]] and [[Wilmington, North Carolina|Wilmington]]. Wilmington is home to the preserved World War II battleship ''[[USS North Carolina (BB-55)|USS ''North Carolina'']]''.

== History ==

=== Flag Symbolism ===
The North Carolina state flag features two historically significant dates:  
* '''May 20, 1775''' refers to the [[Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence]], a local declaration whose authenticity is debated.<ref>North Carolina History Project – Mecklenburg Declaration: https://northcarolinahistory.org</ref>  
* '''April 12, 1776''' marks the [[Halifax Resolves]], the first official action by an American colony calling for independence from Great Britain.<ref>State of North Carolina – Halifax Resolves: https://www.ncdcr.gov</ref>

=== American Revolution ===
During the [[American Revolution]], North Carolina supported the movement for independence and contributed troops, supplies, and political leadership. The Halifax Resolves encouraged the Continental Congress toward adopting a formal declaration of independence.

=== Civil War ===
North Carolina seceded from the Union on May 20, 1861, joining the [[Confederate States of America]] during the [[American Civil War]]. The state supplied soldiers, agricultural products, and manufactured goods to the Confederate war effort. Wilmington served as one of the last major Confederate ports open to blockade runners until its capture in 1865.<ref>Civil War Trust – Wilmington and the Blockade: https://www.battlefields.org</ref>  
After the war, North Carolina was restored to the Union during the Reconstruction era.

== Economy ==
North Carolina has a diverse economy that includes finance, biotechnology, agriculture, manufacturing, and military operations. The state is a leading producer of tobacco, sweet potatoes, and poultry.<ref>U.S. Department of Agriculture – State Agriculture Overview: https://www.nass.usda.gov</ref>  
Charlotte is one of the largest banking centers in the United States, serving as the headquarters for major financial institutions.

== Climate ==
North Carolina’s climate ranges from humid subtropical in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont to a cooler mountain climate in the west. The state experiences hurricanes, thunderstorms, and occasional winter storms.<ref>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – North Carolina Climate Summary: https://www.noaa.gov</ref>

== Major Cities ==
Major cities in North Carolina include:
* [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]]
* [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]]
* [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]]
* [[Durham, North Carolina|Durham]]
* [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina|Winston-Salem]]
* [[Fayetteville, North Carolina|Fayetteville]]
* [[Wilmington, North Carolina|Wilmington]]
* [[Asheville, North Carolina|Asheville]]

== References ==
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