To my North Carolina home.

Esse Quam Videri
"To be rather than to seem."

State Bird - Cardinal
State Flower - Dogwood
State Tree- Pine

The"Old North State" is more than 400 years young and was first settled on Roanoke Island in 1584. English America began there, on a North Carolina beach.

The first American was born in North Carolina to Ananias and Eleanor Dare, a daughter whom they named Virginia. We know much about this first colony of settlers, everything that is except what happened to them. Their governor and Virginia Dare's grandfather, John White went back to England for supplies but war with Spain prevented his return to the colony for three years. When he did manage to get back the colony was "lost". No trace remained of them save one word carved on a tree... "Croatoan".

Since that time many well-known people have hailed from the Tarheel state. Such notables as Daniel Boone came here and blazed trails for others to follow. Andrew Johnson, began life as the son of Jacob Johnson, a janitor at an inn in Raleigh but grew up to be president of the United States. Who knew that Andrew Jackson, who in his youth enjoyed horse races and cock fights more than anything serious, would ever amount to anything, least of all a fine American president. James K. Polk from Pineville graduated first in his class from Carolina and didn't stop even when he got to the White House. Dolly Madison taught American's the meaning of grace and remains the most loved lady of the White House.

General Braxton Bragg the North Carolinian West Pointer (1837) had earned a prewar reputation for strict discipline as well as a literal adherence to regulations long before the American Civil War gave him notoriety.

Although not "from here" two brothers named Wright came from Ohio to North Carolina in 1903 looking for a breeze to carry their flying machine to heights that even they could never imagine.

So, "here's to the land of the longleaf pine...

And to those North Carolina notables listed here. Although this is in no way a complete list, for all of them are not known, please forgive any oversight. It is not intentional.

Edward R. Murrow a pioneer in radio journalism,
David Brinkley a television news journalist from Wilmington,
Charles Kuralt took us "On the Road" to places few knew and collaborated with long-time friend and musician extra-ordinaire Loonis McGlohon to give us "North Carolina Is My Home"
Senator Sam Ervin from Morganton and of Watergate fame,
Andy Griffith an esteemed actor depicting NC principles,
Ava Gardner an actress from Brogden not Smithfield,
Billy Graham an evangelist who explains God's love to millions,
Will Porter from Greensboro signed his books as O. Henry,
Thomas Wolfe began as a paper boy from Asheville,
Nicholas Sparks is at home in New Bern where NC inspires,
Richard Petty raced #43 into history giving us NASCAR,
Dale Earnhardt followed in #3 and gave his all to the sport,
Michael Jordon reached his goals while flying high for his teams
Sugar Ray Leonard Olympic Gold medallist and pro boxer,
Ronnie Milsap gave us insight into music to remember,
Doc Watson a flat picker from Deep Gap of world renown
Thelonious Monk helped give jazz rebirth as bebop
Randy Travis planted unforgettable notes 'digging up bones',
Earl Scruggs made a banjo sing with his three finger invention,
Bob Timberlake NC's most recognized, successful painter,

North Carolina is home to countless talented and noble people, some of whom are well-known while others are known only by their families and peers. Riches are not always measured by the coin and dollar here but instead by our history which has immeasurable value. We have a strong faith in God regardless of the denomination and strong principles that are reflective in our motto.

May we never forget!

The above award is accepted graciously with 15 generations of Tarheel pride! Thank you sincerely "SOUTHERN WOMEN" for considering my page worthy. Please click on the above link to visit more intriguing southern web sites. 

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