North Carolina became the 12th state of the Union on November 21, 1789! It’s named after King Charles I of England, but you can also call it Tar Heel State! Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte! North Carolina’s state motto is Esse quam videri, or “To be, rather than to seem!” This state is famous for its Blue Ridge Mountains, Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh and the Lost Colony of Roanoke!