In this long-awaited survey history, William Link examines the fascinating history of North Carolina through the lens of strong but seemingly contradictory historical patterns: powerful forces of traditionalism punctuated by hierarchies of class, race relations, and gender that seemingly clashed, especially during the last century, with potent forces of modernization and a“progressive” element that welcomed, even embraced, change. The result answers meaningful questions that all Tar Heels ask about the history and the future of the unique and quickly growing state they call home.

Taking the North Carolina story from moments before first contact all the way to the elections of 2008, this book provides a great new resource for all college-level instructors and students of North Carolina history.