Summary of Charlotte’s Historical Significance
- Charlotte’s Capital Status: Clarification on Charlotte’s role and Raleigh’s established capital.
- Capital History: Overview of earlier capitals in North Carolina.
- Charlotte’s Confederate Role: Insight into Charlotte’s significance during the Civil War.
- Historical Capital Cities: A list of locations that served as the seat of power.
Since Charlotte stands as the largest city in North Carolina, many assume it is the state capital or that it once was. However, this is not the case; Charlotte was never the state’s capital, nor is it currently. Raleigh holds the title of the state capital.
During the last days of the Civil War, Charlotte served as an unofficial capital of the Confederacy after becoming the headquarters for the Confederate Army following the fall of Richmond, Virginia in 1865.
Current State Capital
Raleigh is situated approximately 130 miles from Charlotte and has been the capital of North Carolina since 1792. The city was selected as the capital during North Carolina’s transition to statehood, officially achieved in 1789.
As of the 2015 U.S. Census Bureau report, Raleigh’s population is about 450,000, making it the second-largest city in North Carolina. In contrast, Charlotte boasts a population nearly double that of Raleigh. The surrounding Charlotte metropolitan area covers 16 counties and is home to nearly 2.5 million residents.
Earlier Capitals
Prior to the designation of North Carolina and South Carolina, Charleston served as the capital of Carolina, a British province, from 1692 to 1712. The name “Carolina” derives from the Latin “Carolus,” referring to King Charles I of England, while Charleston was formerly known as Charles Town, honoring the monarch.
In the early colonial period, Edenton was designated as the capital of the region now recognized as “North Carolina” from 1722 to 1766.
Subsequently, the city of New Bern was established as the capital from 1766 to 1788. During this time, a governor’s residence and office were erected in 1771, and the North Carolina Assembly convened there in 1777. Following the outbreak of the American Revolution, various locations including Hillsborough, Halifax, Smithfield, and Wake Court House served as temporary meeting places for the legislature.
Ultimately, in 1788, Raleigh was chosen as the site for a new capital due to its strategic central location, which provided better protection against naval attacks.
Charlotte as Capital of the Confederacy
During the Civil War, Charlotte operated as an unofficial capital of the Confederacy. The city housed a military hospital, a Ladies Aid Society, a prison, and the treasury of the Confederate States of America, along with the Confederate Navy Yard.
When Richmond fell in April 1865, Jefferson Davis established the Confederate headquarters in Charlotte, ultimately surrendering there despite it being rejected. Consequently, Charlotte is often referred to as the last capital of the Confederacy.
Interestingly, despite its name being reminiscent of King Charles, Charlotte is actually named after Queen Charlotte, the Queen Consort of Great Britain.
North Carolina’s Historical Capital Cities
Throughout history, several locations have served as the state’s seat of power:
| City | Description |
| Charleston | Official capital when Carolinas were one colony from 1692 to 1712. |
| Little River | Unofficial capital. The assembly met there. |
| Wilmington | Unofficial capital. The assembly met there. |
| Bath | Unofficial capital. The assembly met there. |
| Hillsborough | Unofficial capital. The assembly met there. |
| Halifax | Unofficial capital. The assembly met there. |
| Smithfield | Unofficial capital. The assembly met there. |
| Wake Court House | Unofficial capital. The assembly met there. |
| Edenton | Official capital from 1722 to 1766. |
| New Bern | Official capital from 1771 to 1792. |
| Raleigh | Official capital from 1792 to the present. |
