Editing North Carolina (section)

== 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.