Map of the coast of Virginia and North Carolina, drawn 1585â1586 by Theodor de Bry, based on map by John White of the Roanoke Colony. The history of North Carolina from prehistory to the present covers the experiences of the people who have lived in the territory that now comprises the U.S. state of North Carolina.ore soldiers from North Carolina fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War than from any other state, but few major battles were fought here. During the early years of Reconstruction, strides were made at integrating the newly freed slaves into society.