Discover the Split of Carolina into North and South

When did Carolina officially split into North and South and why?

Carolina split into North and South in 1729, after the British Crown approved a proposal to divide the Province of Carolina into two separate colonies. What were the reasons behind this division?

Final answer:

Carolina split into North and South Carolina in 1712, with South Carolina becoming a Royal Colony in 1719 followed by North Carolina in 1729. The split was due to dissatisfaction with the Lords Proprietors and external threats, leading to a desire for the stability of a Royal Colony.

Explanation:

The colony of Carolina originally began as a single entity with northern and southern regions having distinct characteristics. The southern area, centered on Charleston, thrived on agriculture and trade. Due to a mix of dissatisfaction with the Lords Proprietors and external threats such as pirate attacks, notably the blockade of Charleston's harbor by Blackbeard in 1718, the colonists sought more stable governance and protection. This led to South Carolina petitioning to become a Royal Colony in 1719, which was granted. The division into two colonies formally took place in 1712. North Carolina followed in becoming a Royal Colony in 1729, mainly due to its growth from Virginian migrants expanding their tobacco holdings and trading in naval stores and captured Africans.

Both North and South Carolina remained as Royal Colonies until they played a role in the American Revolution.