Why North Carolina Is Known as the 'Old North State'

North Carolina earned the nickname "Old North State" because it was the 12th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on November 21, 1789.

The "North" distinguishes it from South Carolina (which ratified 8th, on May 23, 1788). The "Old" signifies its early admission to the Union—it was the 12th of the original 13 colonies to join, preceding only Rhode Island (13th, 1790). The moniker reflects pride in its foundational role in the Republic.