North Carolina Colony Collection | 13 Original Colonies

A collection of content on American History Central about the North Carolina Colony. It was one of the 13 Original Colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in July 1776, establishing the United States of America.

In 1663, King Charles II granted a charter to eight men, known as the Lords Proprietors, paving the way for English colonization of the territory south of Virginia. The Proprietors promised political freedom and religious freedom to immigrants and also encouraged settlement with the Headright System. However, the natural terrain divided Carolina into two distinct regions, and it was officially divided in 1712.

By 1719, people living in South Carolina felt the Proprietors were not doing enough to protect them from pirates and Indians. As British subjects, the people sought protection from the Crown. The Crown agreed and Sir Francis Nicholson was appointed as the first Royal Governor of South Carolina.

After South Carolina became a Royal Colony, the Crown worked to buy the rights to the Carolinas from the families of each of the original Lords Proprietors. By 1729, King George II had purchased nearly all the rights and both colonies became Royal Colonies, under Crown control. The only family that retained its rights was that of George Carteret. North Carolina had a significant agricultural industry with Tobacco, Rice, Indigo, and livestock.

Essential Facts

Year Founded — 1663 (as Carolina)
Founded By — Lords Proprietors (8 allies of King Charles II)
General Assembly Established — 1729
Region — Southern Colonies
Part of — Restoration Colonies

Biographies

History

North Carolina Colony — Facts, Timeline, and History

Colonial America

Key Concepts

American Revolution

American Revolutionary War

1775

1776

Content for this article has been compiled and edited by American History Central Staff.