History of North Carolina

Originally founded as one of the 13 English colonies, North Carolina was the first state to declare independence from the British crown during the Continental Congress. During World War II, North Carolina was a major supplier of manufactured war matériel, and it delivered more textile goods to the military than any other state.

Beginning in the mid-20th century, North Carolina experienced population growth at a much higher rate than the national average. The state began a period of rapid change after the war. New highways were built, and cities grew as new industry and new people moved to the state.

North Carolina experienced a sustained period of growth and since has maintained one of the strongest economies in the United States.

Since the first settlement in 1585, North Carolina has grown to be a powerhouse for economic opportunities. This has allowed the North Carolina Global TransPark to grow consistently throughout Eastern North Carolina and to become an innovator of aviation, aerospace, defense, emergency response and advanced materials industries.

History of North Carolina Global TransPark

Originally built in 1944 by the United States Navy, the North Carolina Global TransPark airfield served as a training location for the United States Marine Corps at Cherry Point Air Station, and later for United States Air Force training under the new name of Kinston Air Base.

Renamed Stallings Air Base in 1952, it remained active until it was closed for military use in 1957. It later reopened as the Kinston Regional Jetport, and in May 1996, the Global TransPark was designated as Foreign Trade Zone 214.