NCPedia's Early Settlement article provides valuable context for understanding North Carolina's colonial growth. The colorful map below illustrates the frontier development from 1657-1835. The article explores the finer points that spurred that development, including the massive and rapid growth that occured after King George took NC lands back from the Lords Proprietors in 1729. Discover why this created a boom that lasted until the Revolution era.  Image source - NCpedia The article shares two other maps that provide background for understanding early settlement and migration trends. A trail map traces not only the Great Wagon Road, but also migration routes from coastal ports. It highlights which groups tended to take each path. The associated text emphasizes how the Piedmont and coastal areas were essentially cut off from each other. By the mid 1700s, the Piedmont settlers had more trade and communication with Philadelphia and their South Carolina neighbors than the coasta...

I had seen these story maps before and I just love the concept of telling the stories and history of a place and attaching them to a map. The concept and tools to create are provided by ARCGIS.com. ArcGIS is a geographic information system (GIS) platform that helps users create, manage, and analyze geographic data, or maps. The StoryMaps concept "transforms your geographic information system (GIS) work into interactive content that informs and inspires." The most inspiring collection of story maps that I have seen to date were produced by the town of Apex to celebrate their 150th year celebrated in 2023. Please follow the link to the Apex 150th celebration to see what a wonderful tribute they have created. Apex 150 - Past, Present and Potential There are seven communities hightlighted in this series so be sure to scroll through to the bottom of each one for the links to the others.StoryMaps include Apex Annexation Tour, Fairview Community, Friendship Community, Green Level C...