National North Carolina Day is a celebration honoring the Tar Heel State as the 12th state to join the Union. This special day recognizes North Carolina’s rich history, diverse culture, and significant contributions to American heritage.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 28
- Tagged as: State celebration day
- What’s the hashtag?: #NorthCarolinaDay
- When was it founded?: 2017
- Who founded it?: National Day Calendar
History of National North Carolina Day
National North Carolina Day was established in 2017 by the National Day Calendar as part of their initiative to celebrate each state in the order they entered the union. While North Carolina has a historical state celebration dating back to the early 20th century (originally called “North Carolina Day”), the national version with the September 28 date is a more recent creation.
The original North Carolina Day was proposed in schools to “awaken a proper pride in the history of the state” and reduce illiteracy by promoting public education. It was observed on various dates throughout the year, primarily in October or December, but never in September.
Timeline
- 1584: First English explorers arrive on the Outer Banks
- 1776: North Carolina becomes the first colony to vote for independence from Great Britain
- 1789: North Carolina becomes the 12th state to ratify the United States Constitution
- 1903: Wright Brothers achieve the first controlled flight at Kitty Hawk
- 2017: National North Carolina Day is established by National Day Calendar
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 28 | Sunday |
| 2026 | September 28 | Monday |
| 2027 | September 28 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | September 28 | Thursday |
| 2029 | September 28 | Friday |
| 2030 | September 28 | Saturday |
How National North Carolina Day is Observed
People celebrate National North Carolina Day by visiting the state’s attractions, enjoying local cuisine (especially BBQ), exploring historical sites, and sharing their North Carolina pride on social media. Schools and communities may organize special events highlighting the state’s history and achievements.
Many residents and tourists take advantage of the day to visit popular destinations like the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Outer Banks, or historical sites such as Roanoke Island. Others celebrate by enjoying North Carolina specialties like Cheerwine or Krispy Kreme donuts, both of which originated in the state.
Fun Facts About North Carolina
North Carolina is known as the “Tar Heel State” and has a diverse landscape from sandy beaches to mountain highlands. It was home to the first English colony in America at Roanoke Island (the famous “Lost Colony”), and the Wright Brothers achieved the first controlled flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903. The state is also home to the oldest public university in the United States, the University of North Carolina.
Many globally successful retail chains originated in North Carolina, including Pepsi and Krispy Kreme. The state is also known for its black bears, which are the smallest of the three bear species found in North America.
Quiz
- When was North Carolina admitted to the Union?
- What famous pirates operated off the North Carolina coast?
- What was invented at Kitty Hawk?
- What is North Carolina’s nickname?
(Answers: 1. 1789 2. Blackbeard 3. First controlled, powered aircraft flight 4. The Tar Heel State)
FAQs
Is National North Carolina Day a federal holiday?
No, National North Carolina Day is not a federal holiday. It’s an observance created by the National Day Calendar to celebrate the state.
How is National North Carolina Day different from the historical North Carolina Day?
The historical North Carolina Day dates back to 1901 and was primarily celebrated in schools on various dates (usually in October or December). National North Carolina Day was established in 2017 and is fixed on September 28.
What are some ways to celebrate National North Carolina Day?
You can celebrate by visiting North Carolina landmarks, enjoying local cuisine, learning about the state’s history, or sharing your state pride on social media using #NorthCarolinaDay.
Importance of National North Carolina Day
National North Carolina Day creates a sense of community among residents while educating others about the state’s significant contributions to American history. From being the first to call for independence from Great Britain to hosting the Wright Brothers’ first flight, North Carolina has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.
The day also serves as an opportunity to showcase the state’s natural beauty, from coastal plains to mountainous highlands, and to celebrate its unique culture and traditions.
Related Celebrations
- North Carolina’s Statehood Day (November 21)
- Wright Brothers Day (December 17)
- National Aviation Day (August 19)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Constitution Day (September 17)