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Home to controversial U.S.
Senator Jesse Helms, many of the principal players in
America's powerful tobacco industry, and a big chunk of
the nation's textile manufacturing, you may think North
Carolina is full of fire, smoke, and fiber. Well, that's
true, but think of the majestic Blue Ridge and Great
Smoky Mountains rising up near the Tennessee border, and
the miles of scenic coastline on the state's Atlantic
side. And did you know that the Roanoke Island
settlement, founded by Sr. Walter Raleigh in 1585, was
the first English colony in America?
North Carolina's history is long and rich, from its
early colonial days, to the pivotal role it played in
the U.S. Civil War, to the traditions of elegance and
culture it carries on today in its cities and towns.
Raleigh, the state capital, is home to a well-respected
symphony and fine art museum (both of which are
generously supported by the state-take that, Mr. Helms);
the Mint Museum of Art is located in Charlotte; and
Chapel Hill's Morehead Planetarium is considered one of
the finest institutions of its kind. We visited these
and other sites on our virtual voyage.
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