What was North Carolina called before it became a state?

Before it achieved statehood, the territory that would become North Carolina was primarily known as the Province of North Carolina, and following its separation from South Carolina, it continued to be called North Carolina as a royal colony.

Early Colonial Identity: The Province of North Carolina

Initially, the vast territory encompassing both present-day North Carolina and South Carolina was unified and referred to as the Province of North Carolina. This larger province was one of the original Thirteen Colonies established by Great Britain in North America.

Separation and Royal Colony Status

Significant administrative changes occurred well before North Carolina became an independent state:

• 1712 Separation: The northern and southern parts of the original Province of North Carolina officially separated in 1712, establishing distinct proprietary colonies. The northern part then became known simply as North Carolina.
• 1729 Royal Colony: By 1729, North Carolina transitioned into a royal colony. This meant it came under the direct control of the British Crown, with a governor appointed by the monarch. This status as "North Carolina" under royal governance persisted until the American Revolution.

Evolution of North Carolina's Pre-Statehood Names

The table below illustrates the chronological progression of what North Carolina was called before its statehood:

This progression from a unified province to a distinct proprietary colony, and then to a royal colony, all occurred under names that predated its formal entry into the United States. North Carolina officially became a state upon ratifying the U.S. Constitution in 1789.

Learn more about the history of North Carolina on Wikipedia.