National North Carolina Day is observed every September 28 to honor North Carolina's history as the 12th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and join the Union. Established by National Day Calendar in 2017, the day recognizes the state's significance, including its nicknames, the Old North State and the Tar Heel State, which reflects its historical production of tar, pitch, and turpentine. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes before European exploration began in the 16th century, with English colonization starting in 1584. The colony of Carolina was formally established in 1663 and later split into North and South Carolina in 1712 due to governance disputes. Notably, North Carolina was the first of the Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from British rule in 1776. The day serves as a celebration of the state's rich cultural heritage and history.