Despite disappointing results nationwide, the GOP celebrated some solid victories in North Carolina this week. This, even though voter registration numbers in the state favor democrats and unaffiliated voters.

“Registered Republicans in North Carolina have the highest voter turnout,” Dr. Michael Bitzer, professor of politics, Catawba College.

Charlotte North Carolina – A Diverse City

The state of North Carolina is home to a diverse population. Although its population is mostly white, it is home to a significant African American population. Many African Americans are Baptists and affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, the largest denomination in the country. Other African American groups include the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and several organizations are devoted to Pentecostalism.

The area that is now Charlotte was settled in the 1750s by European colonists. One of these early settlers was Thomas Spratt. Another settler was Thomas Polk, great-uncle to U.S. President James K. Polk. He built a house near the intersection of two Native American trading paths. One was north-south along the Great Wagon Road, and the other ran east-west along Trade Street.

The city has plenty of tourist attractions for families and couples to enjoy. If you have children, the Discovery Place has hands-on science exhibitions. There is also an indoor rainforest and a butterfly pavilion. The museum also hosts special events such as Animal Meet and Greets. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.

Charlotte is also home to several historical sites. The Reed Gold Mine was operational until 1912, and the Mint was here until 1861, when it was seized by Confederate forces. The Mint building is now home to the Mint Museum of Art. In 2002, a large ice storm struck Charlotte and central North Carolina, forcing the loss of power to over 1.3 million people. In addition to losing power, the ice weighed so heavily that Bradford pear trees broke apart.