Sovereign Rulers of the North Carolina Region Before Statehood

Before North Carolina became a state (1789/1776), sovereignty progressed through:

1. King Charles I (1629–1649): Granted "Carolana" charter (1629); first Albemarle settlements.
2. Parliamentary Commission (1649–1660): Commonwealth rule after Charles I's execution.
3. King Charles II (1660–1685): Restoration; granted Carolina to 8 Lords Proprietors (1663).
4. Lords Proprietors (1663–1729): Quasi-feudal rulers; appointed governors, made laws, granted land.
5. King George I (1729–1735): Crown bought out Proprietors; NC became royal colony.
6. British Crown (1735–1776): Royal governors (e.g., Tryon, Martin); colonial assembly; ended by Revolution.

Statehood: 12th state to ratify Constitution (Nov 21, 1789).