Why are residents of North Carolina called tar heels?

Answer 1

Many years ago in NC all of the old bridges were made of wood. Additionally, a lot of roads were also made of plank (untreated/mill sawn) boards. North Carolina had quite an abundance of Pine Tar from the many Pine Trees. Therefore it would treat both the Bridges and roads with this pine tar to keep them from deteriorating. Pine tar before treated wood was excellent for protecting the wood.

Often children and even adults who would walk without shoes would get this tar all over there feet. As there were so many people with evidence of this on their feet in these days, it was easy to note that they were residents of the state of NC.

Not relevant, but an interesting point to know is that many years ago in the earlier generations, most parents could not afford many pairs of shoes. The children got ONE new pair of shoes each year when school started.

I learned this from my Grandfather and Father, both of whom were raised on large farms in NC. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

The exact etymology of the nickname is unknown, but most experts believe its roots come from the fact that tar, pitch and turpentine created from the vast pine forests were one of North Carolina's most important exports early in the state's history.

Because the exact history of the term is unknown, a number of legends have developed to explain it. Many believe it to be a nickname given during the U.S. Civil War, because of the state's importance on the Confederate side, and the fact that the troops "stuck to their ranks like they had tar on their heels."

Answer 3

North Carolina is called the Tar Heel state.

Answer 4

Tar heel is the nickname that has been given to the State of North Carolina. Experts believe that the nickname came from the tar created in the pine forests of North Carolina.