The North Carolina Colony was founded in 1653 by the Virgina Colonists. Some of the major industries of North Carolina were plantation and agricultural. The North Carolina Colony was named from Carlous, the latin word for "Charles". On November 21st, 1789 North Carolina became apart of the United States of America. The people that founded Virginia had intended to settle in Roanoke Island, but storm changed their course and the first colony was planted in the valley of James.