List of North Carolina state legislatures

Last updated

The North Carolina General Assembly of the U.S. state of North Carolina has convened many times since the state declared its independence from the British Crown and established a constitution in December 1776 during the Fifth North Carolina Provincial Congress. [1]

Contents

Prior to 1957, the General Assembly convened in January at a time fixed by the Constitution of North Carolina. From 1957 through 1967, sessions convened in February at a time fixed by the Constitution. The 1969 General Assembly was the first to convene on a date fixed by law after elimination of the constitutionally fixed date. The assembly now convenes on the third Wednesday after the second Monday in January after the November election.

History of the legislatures

The new General Assembly, which first convened in April 1777, consisted of a Senate, which had one member from each county (regardless of population), and a House of Commons, which had two members representing each county, plus one each from certain towns/districts. [2]

Legislatures

The following table shows when and where the North Carolina General Assembly met. The numbered order indicates a new election. [1] [9] [2] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]

Election OrderAssembly
Link
LocationDates of SessionsComments about assemblies and legislation [10] [15] [16]
1 1777 New Bern
  • April 7 – May 9, 1777
  • November 15 – December 24, 1777
This assembly probably met in the Tryon Palace after it was vacated by the British. Created Burke, Camden, Caswell, Nash, and Wilkes counties. Total of 38 counties and seven Districts were represented in the assembly. The assembly elected the Councilors of State. The governor was elected in the Fifth North Carolina Provincial Congress.
Tryon Palace Tryon Palace.JPG
Tryon Palace
2 1778
  • April 14 – May 2, 1778
  • August 8–19, 1778
  • January 19 – February 13, 1779
This assembly established the following counties in their last session in 1779: Franklin, Gates, Jones, Lincoln, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond, Rutherford, Warren, and Wayne counties. The assembly elected the governor and councilors of state per the state constitution of 1776.
3 1779
  • May 3–15, 1779
  • October 18 – November 10, 1779
  • January – February, 1780
4 1780–1781
  • unknown
  • unknown
  • Halifax
  • April 1780 [17]
  • (probably 1780)
  • January 27 – February 13, 1781
The journals for this assembly are missing. [18] [19]
5 1781 Wake Court HouseJune 23 – July 14, 1781The town of Wake Court House later became Bloomsbury, which is currently a historic district in Raleigh.
6 1782 HillsboroApril 15 – May 18, 1782
7 1783 HillsboroApril 18 – May 17, 1783This assembly created Davidson and Greene counties.
8 April 1784 New BernApril 19 – June 3, 1784Davidson County and Greene County sent delegates to the NC General Assembly for the first time in 1784. During 1784, the assembly created Moore County and Sampson County. These two counties also sent delegates to the NC General Assembly for the first time in 1784.
9 October 1784 New BernOctober 25 – November 26, 1784
10 1785 New BernNovember 19 – December 29, 1785During 1785, the assembly created Rockingham County.
11 1786 Fayetteville November 20, 1786January 6, 1787In 1786, Rockingham County sent its first delegates to the assembly.
12 1787 Tarboro November 19 – December 22, 1787During 1786, the assembly created Hawkins County and Sumner County. These two counties sent their first delegates to the NC General Assembly in 1787. During the earlier 1786/1787 session, the assembly created Robeson County, and its first delegates showed up later in the same session.
13 1788 FayettevilleNovember 3 – December 6, 1788This assembly created Iredell County and Tennessee County, North Carolina.
14 1789 FayettevilleNovember 2 – December 22, 1789Iredell and Tennessee counties sent their first delegates to the assembly. Fayetteville was added as a city/borough with a Senator. This General Assembly ceded the lands west of the Appalachian Mountains to the U.S. Government as part of North Carolina's national debt. This assembly elected the first two U.S. senators from North Carolina and established a process for the people to elect five members to the U.S. House of Representatives in early 1790. This assembly established the University of North Carolina and appropriated funds for the initial buildings.
15 1790 FayettevilleNovember 1 – December 15, 1790During 1789, the assembly created Stokes County. In 1790, Stokes County sent its first delegates to the NC General Assembly. This was also the first General Assembly that allowed the Borough Town of Fayetteville to elect and send a delegate to the House of Representatives. Also during 1789, North Carolina ceded seven counties on the western side of the Appalachian Mountains to the newly-established "Southwest Territory," which later became the state of Tennessee in 1796: Davidson, Greene, Hawkins, Sullivan, Sumner, Tennessee, and Washington. These seven counties no longer sent delegates to the NC General Assembly.
16 1791–1792 New BernDecember 5, 1791January 19, 1792
17 1792–1793 New BernNovember 15 – January 1, 1793During 1791, the assembly created four new counties: Buncombe, Glasgow, Lenoir, and Person. These four counties sent their first delegates to the NC General Assembly in 1792.
18 1793–1794 FayettevilleDecember 2, 1793January 11, 1794
19 1794–1795 Raleigh December 30, 1794February 7, 1795This was the first assembly to meet in the newly completed North Carolina State House in Raleigh.
North Carolina State House (watercolor by Glennie) North Carolina State House watercolor by Glennie.jpg
North Carolina State House (watercolor by Glennie)
20 1795 RaleighNovember 2 – December 9, 1795
21 1796 RaleighNovember 21 – December 25, 1796
22 1797 RaleighNovember 20 – December 23, 1797
23 1798 RaleighNovember 19 – December 24, 1798
24 1799 RaleighNovember 18 – December 23, 1799
25 1800 RaleighNovember 17 – December 20, 1800During 1799, the assembly created two new counties: Ashe and Washington. Also in 1799, Glasgow County was renamed to Greene County. In 1800, these three counties sent their first delegates to the NC General Assembly.
26 1801 RaleighNovember 16 – December 19, 1801
27 1802 RaleighNovember 15 – December 18, 1802
28 1803 RaleighNovember 21 – December 22, 1803
29 1804 RaleighNovember 19 – December 19, 1804
30 1805 RaleighNovember 18 – December 21, 1805
31 1806 RaleighNovember 17 – December 21, 1806
32 1807 RaleighNovember 16 – December 18, 1807
33 1808 RaleighNovember 21 – December 23, 1808Jacob Henry was the first Jewish American in the assembly, serving in the House of Commons for Buncombe County. See also, Jacob Henry House. [20]
34 1809 RaleighNovember 20 – December 23, 1809In 1808, the assembly created two new counties - Columbus and Haywood. Both sent new delegates to the General Assembly in 1809.
35 1810 RaleighNovember 19 – December 22, 1810
36 1811 RaleighNovember 18 – December 23, 1811This was the first General Assembly to meet in the newly renovated North Carolina State House in Raleigh.
Renovated North Carolina State House (watercolor by William Goodacre) North Carolina State House - William Goodacre.jpg
Renovated North Carolina State House (watercolor by William Goodacre)
37 1812 RaleighNovember 16 – December 25, 1812
38 1813 RaleighNovember 15 – December 25, 1813
39 1814 RaleighNovember 21 – December 27, 1814
40 1815 RaleighNovember 20 – December 21, 1815
41 1816 RaleighNovember 18 – December 28, 1816
42 1817 RaleighNovember 17 – December 24, 1817
43 1818 RaleighNovember 16 – December 26, 1818
44 1819 RaleighNovember 15 – December 25, 1819
45 1820 RaleighNovember 20 – December 25, 1820
46 1821–1822 RaleighNovember 19, 1821January 1, 1822
47 1822 RaleighNovember 18 – December 31, 1822
48 1823–1824 RaleighNovember 17, 1823January 1, 1824In 1822, the assembly created Davidson County. In 1823, Davidson County sent their first delegates to the NC General Assembly.
49 1824–1825 RaleighNovember 15, 1824January 5, 1825
50 1825–1826 RaleighNovember 21, 1825January 4, 1826
51 1826–1827 RaleighDecember 25, 1826February 12, 1827
52 1827–1828 RaleighNovember 19, 1827January 7, 1828
53 1828-1829 RaleighNovember 17, 1828January 10, 1829
54 1829–1830 RaleighNovember 16, 1829January 8, 1830During 1828, the assembly created Macon County. In 1829, Macon County sent their first delegates to the NC General Assembly.
55 1830–1831 RaleighNovember 15, 1830January 8, 1831
56 1831–1832 RaleighNovember 21, 1831January 14, 1832
57 1832–1833 RaleighNovember 18, 1832January 11, 1833
58 1833–1834 RaleighNovember 18, 1833January 13, 18341832 assembly not listed.
59 1834–1835 RaleighNovember 17, 1834January 10, 1835During 1833, the assembly created Yancey County. In 1834, Yancey County sent its first delegates to the NC General Assembly.
60 1835 RaleighNovember 16 – December 22, 1835This was the last assembly to have representatives from Districts, i.e. Edenton, Fayetteville, Halifax, Hillsborough, New Bern, Salisbury, and Wilmington.
61 1836–1837 RaleighNovember 21, 1836January 23, 1837Per the North Carolina Constitutional Convention of 1835, the House of Commons was authorized a total of one hundred-twenty (120) delegates. Each county was authorized a minimum of one delegate, while the most populous counties were authorized four delegates. Each delegate was elected for a two year term of office. During the 1836 session, the assembly created Davie County, but it was not until 1842 that Davie County began sending delegates to the General Assembly.
62 1838–1839 RaleighNovember 19, 1838January 8, 1839During the 1838 session, the assembly created Henderson County, but it was not until 1844 that Henderson County began sending delegates to the General Assembly. During the 1839 session, the assembly created Cherokee County, and they sent their first delegates to the 1840 General Assembly.
63 1840–1841 RaleighNovember 16, 1840January 12, 1841This assembly was the first to meet in the newly constructed North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh, which was built after the destruction of the North Carolina State House in 1831. Although it was created in 1838, according to most sources, Cherokee County began sending its delegate to the NC General Assembly during the 1840 session. No other county giving up a delegate in this session, so Cherokee County may not have actually been authorized to send a delegate during this session - or - the NC General Assembly proceeded with 121 delegates. During the 1841 session, the assembly created Caldwell County, Cleveland County, and Stanly County. Caldwell County began sending delegates to the NC General Assembly in 1842. Cleveland County and Stanly County began sending delegates to the NC General Assembly in 1844.
North Carolina State Capitol, completed in 1840 North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh.jpg
North Carolina State Capitol, completed in 1840
64 1842–1843 RaleighNovember 21, 1842January 28, 1843 Davie County was established in 1836, but it did not begin sending any delegates to the NC General Assembly until 1842. Caldwell County was established in 1841, and it began sending its delegates to the NC General Assembly in 1842. During 1842, the assembly created Catawba County, McDowell County, and Union County. McDowell County sent its first delegates to the NC General Assembly in 1852. Catawba County and Union County began sending their first delegates to the NC General Assembly in 1854.
65 1844–1845 RaleighNovember 18, 1844January 10, 1845The reapportioning of the North Carolina House of Commons based upon the 1840 US Census was finally completed and implemented this year, and there were plenty of changes. With the creation of new counties since the last reapportionment, many existing counties had to give up one delegate to retain the number of members as stipulated in the latest NC State Constitution (120). However, Cabarrus County added one delegate. Although Henderson County was established in 1838, and Cleveland County and Stanly County were established in 1841, all three began sending their first delegates to the NC General Assembly in 1844.
66 1846–1847 RaleighNovember 16, 1846January 18, 1847
67 1848–1849 RaleighNovember 20, 1848January 27, 1849Although Catawba County was established in 1842, it did not begin sending its first delegates to the General Assembly until 1848.
68 1850–1851 RaleighNovember 18, 1850January 29, 1851
69 1852 RaleighOctober 4 – December 27, 1852
70 1854–1855 RaleighNovember 20, 1854February 16, 1855Although McDowell County and Union County were established in 1842; Gaston County was established in 1846; Alexander County was established in 1847; Alamance, Forsyth, and Watauga Counties were established in 1849; Yadkin County was established in 1850; and, Jackson County and Madison County were established in 1851; all ten counties began sending their first delegates to the General Assembly in 1854.
71 1856–1857 RaleighNovember 17, 1856February 3, 1857In 1856, the Assembly eliminated the requirement to own property in order to vote; however, only tax payers could vote. [21] [3]
72 1858–1859 RaleighNovember 15, 1858February 17, 1859
73 1860–1861 RaleighNovember 19, 1860February 25, 1861.Extra Session: May 1, 1861May 13, 1861. Extra Session: August 15, 1861September 23, 1861 This General Assembly decided that each county should vote for special delegates who would decide whether North Carolina should secede from the Union. On May 20, 1861, those special delegates convened in Raleigh and voted unanimously that the state would no longer be a part of the United States of America. [3]
Flag of North Carolina (1861-1865) Flag of North Carolina (1861-1865).svg
Flag of North Carolina (1861–1865)
74 1862–1864 RaleighNovember 17 – December 22, 1862Extra Sessions: January 19 – February 12, 1863; June 30 – July 7, 1863; November 23 – December 14, 1863; and May 17–30, 1864.
75 1864–1865 RaleighNovember 21 – December 23, 1864Extra Sessions: January 17 – February 7, 1865 and May 17–28, 1865.
76 1865–1866 RaleighNovember 27 – December 18, 1865.Extra Session: January 18 – March 12, 1866 This was the first General Assembly to meet after the US Civil War, and Reconstruction was just beginning. Although Harnett County had been established in 1855, it was not until 1865 that Harnett County sent their first delegates to the NC General Assembly. As a result, Cumberland County had to give up one member in the House of Commons.
77 1866–1867 RaleighNovember 19 – December 24, 1866Extra Session: January 22 – March 4, 1867 On March 4, 1867, the Reconstruction Acts of the U.S. Congress stipulated that North Carolina would be part of the Second Military District until they ratified the 14th Amendment.
78 1868–1869 RaleighNovember 16, 1868April 12, 1869The House of Commons was renamed the House of Representatives. The assembly had extra Session from July 1 to August 24, 1868, in which they ratified the 14th Amendment. Although they had been established several years earlier, the following counties sent their first delegates to the 1868 General Assembly: Alleghany, Clay, Mitchell, Polk, Transylvania, and Wilson. This was the first assembly to have Black members in the house and senate. North Carolina was re-admitted to the Union on July 4, 1868 when they ratified the 14th Amendment.
79 1869-1870 RaleighNovember 15, 1869March 28, 1870
80 1870–1872 RaleighNovember 21, 1870April 6, 1871Extra Session: November 20, 1871February 18, 1872. Governor William Woods Holden was impeached by the House on December 14, 1870 and convicted by the Senate on March 22, 1871. Governor Holden was the first governor to be convicted and removed from office in the United States.
81 1872–1874 RaleighNovember 18, 1872March 3, 1873Extra Session: November 17, 1873February 16, 1874 Dare County and Swain County sent their first delegates to this General Assembly.
82 1874–1875 RaleighNovember 16, 1874March 22, 1875
83 1876–1877 RaleighNovember 20, 1876March 12, 1877 Pender County was established in 1875, and it sent their first delegates to the 1876 NC General Assembly. As a result, New Hanover County had to give up one member in the House of Representatives.
84 1879–1880 RaleighJanuary 8, 1879March 14, 1879Extra Session: March 15 – March 29, 1880.
85 1881 RaleighJanuary 5 – March 14, 1881 Durham County was established in 1881 and it sent their first delegates to this NC General Assembly. Orange County had to give up one member of the House of Representatives as a result.
86 1883 RaleighJanuary 3 – March 12, 1883Although Graham County and Pamlico County were established in 1872, and Vance County was established in 1881, all three sent their first delegates to the 1883 NC General Assembly.
87 1885 RaleighJanuary 7 – March 11, 1885
88 1887 RaleighJanuary 5 – March 7, 1887
89 1889 RaleighJanuary 9 – March 11, 1889
90 1891 RaleighJanuary 7 – March 9, 1891
91 1893 RaleighJanuary 4 – March 6, 1893
92 1895 RaleighJanuary 9 – March 13, 1895
93 1897 RaleighJanuary 6 – March 9, 1897
94 1899–1900 RaleighJanuary 4 – March 8, 1899
95 1901 RaleighJanuary 9 – March 15, 1901 Scotland County was established in 1899 and it sent their first delegates to the 1901 General Assembly. As a result, Richmond County had to give up one member in the House of Representatives.
96 1903 RaleighJanuary 7 – March 9, 1903
97 1905 RaleighJanuary 4 – March 6, 1905
98 1907–1908 RaleighJanuary 9-March 11Extra Session: January 21 – February 1, 1908.
99 1909 RaleighJanuary 6 – March 9, 1909
100 1911 RaleighJanuary 4 – March 8, 1911
101 1913 RaleighJanuary 8 – March 12, 1913Extra Session: September 24, 1913 Although Lee County was established in 1907, and Avery County and Hoke County were established in 1911, all three began sending their first delegates to this General Assembly.
102 1915 RaleighJanuary 6 – March 9, 1915
103 1917 RaleighJanuary 3 – March 7, 1917
104 1919–1920 RaleighJanuary 8 – March 11, 1919Extra Session: August 10–26, 1920.
105 1921 RaleighJanuary 5 – March 9, 1921First female representative in the House of Representatives, Lillian Exum Clement.
Rep. Lillian Exum Clement Lillian Exum Clement (33361507400).jpg
Rep. Lillian Exum Clement
106 1923–1924 RaleighJanuary 3 – March 6, 1923Extra Session: August 7–23, 1924.
107 1925 RaleighJanuary 7 – March 10, 1925
108 1927 RaleighJanuary 5 – March 9, 1927
109 1929 RaleighJanuary 9 – March 19, 1929
110 1931 RaleighJanuary 7 – May 27, 1931 Gertrude Dills McKee was the first female Senator.
111 1933 RaleighJanuary 4 – May 15, 1933
112 1935–1936 RaleighJanuary 9 – May 11, 1935Extra Session: December 10–16, 1936.
113 1937–1938 RaleighJanuary 6 – March 23, 1937Extra Session: March 8 – August 13, 1938.
114 1939 RaleighJanuary 4 – April 4, 1939
115 1941 RaleighJanuary 8 – March 15, 1941
116 1943 RaleighJanuary 6 – March 10, 1943
117 1945 RaleighJanuary 3 – March 12, 1945
118 1947 RaleighJanuary 8 – April 5, 1947
119 1949 RaleighJanuary 5 – April 23, 1949
120 1951 RaleighJanuary 3 – April 14, 1951
121 1953 RaleighJanuary 7 – April 30, 1953
122 1955–1956 RaleighJanuary 5 – May 26, 1955Extra Session: July 23–27, 1956.
123 1957 RaleighFebruary 6 – June 12, 1957
124 1959 RaleighFebruary 4 – June 20, 1959
125 1961 RaleighFebruary 8 – June 22, 1961This General Assembly was the last to meet in the North Carolina State Capital building in Raleigh.
126 1963 RaleighFebruary 6 – June 26, 1963This was the first assembly to meet in the newly completed North Carolina State Legislative Building in Raleigh.
North Carolina Legislative Building, completed in 1963 T-73-2-1LegBldgbyClayNolan (8271463337).jpg
North Carolina Legislative Building, completed in 1963
127 1965–1966 RaleighFebruary 3 – June 17, 1965Extra Session: November 15–17, 1965. Second Extra Session: January 10–14, 1966.
128 1967 RaleighFebruary 8 – July 6, 1967
129 1969 RaleighJanuary 15 – July 2, 1969
130 1971 RaleighJanuary 13 – October 30, 1971
131 1973–1974 Raleigh
  • January 10 – May 24, 1973
  • January 16 – April 13, 1974
Beginning at this General Assembly, the assembly met in both years from henceforth.
132 1975–1976 Raleigh
  • January 15 – June 26, 1975
  • May 3–14, 1976
133 1977–1978 Raleigh
  • January 12 – July 1, 1977
  • May 31 – June 16, 1978
134 1979–1980 Raleigh
  • January 10 – June 8, 1779
  • June 5–25, 1980
135 1981–1982 Raleigh
  • January 14 – July 10, 1981
  • October 5–10, 1982
  • April 26–27, 1982
Extra Sessions: October 29–30, 1981; February 9–11, 1982; June 2–28, 1982.
136 1983–1984 Raleigh
  • January 12 – July 22, 1983
  • March 7 – July 7, 1984
Extra Session: August 26, 1983 (one day).
137 1985–1986 Raleigh
  • February 5 – July 18, 1985
  • February 18 – July 16, 1986
138 1987–1988 Raleigh
  • February 9 – August 14, 1987
  • June 2 – July 12, 1988
139 1989–1990 Raleigh
  • January 11 – August 12, 1989
  • March 6 – July 28, 1990
Extra Session: December 7, 1989 (one day).
140 1991–1992 Raleigh
  • January 30 – July 16, 1991
  • May 26 – July 25, 1992
Extra Session: December 30, 1991February 3, 1992.
141 1993–1994 Raleigh
  • January 27 – September 24, 1993
  • March 24 – July 17, 1994
Extra Session February 8 – March 26, 1994.
142 1995–1996 Raleigh
  • January 25 – July 29, 1995
  • May 13 – June 21, 1996
Daniel F. McComas was the first Hispanic member of the House of Representatives. Extra Session: February 21, 1996 (one day).
143 1997–1998 Raleigh
  • January 29 – August 28, 1997
  • May 11 – October 29, 1998
Extra Session: March 24 – April 30, 1998.
144 1999–2000 Raleigh
  • January 27 – July 21, 1999
  • December 15–16, 1999
  • May 8, 2000
Extra Session: April 5, 2000
145 2001–2002 Raleigh
  • January 24 – December 6, 2001
  • May 28 – November 13, 2002
Beverly Eaves Perdue was the first female North Carolina Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate. Extra Session: May 14 – November 26, 2002.
146 2003–2004 Raleigh
  • January 29 – August 27, 2003
  • May 10 – July 18, 2004
Extra Sessions: November 24–25, 2003; December 9–10, 2003; November 4, 2004 (one day).
147 2005–2006 Raleigh
  • January 26 – October 12, 2005
  • May 9 – July 28, 2006
148 2007–2008 Raleigh
  • January 24 – August 2, 2007
  • May 13 – July 18, 2008
Extra Sessions: September 10–11, 2007; March 20, 2008 (one day).
149 2009–2010 Raleigh
  • January 28 – August 11, 2009
  • May 12 – July 10, 2010
150 2011–2012 Raleigh
  • January 26 – June 18, 2011 [22]
  • May 16 – July 3, 2012
Extra Session: January 4 – February 18, 2012.
151 2013–2014 Raleigh
  • January 9, January 30 – July 26, 2013 [22]
  • May 14 – August 20, 2014
Extra Session: September 3–4, 2013.
152 2015–2016 Raleigh
  • January 14
  • January 28 – September 29, 2015
  • April 25 – July 1, 2016 [22]
153 2017–2018 Raleigh
  • January 11 – June 30, 2017
  • August 3
  • August 18–25
  • August 28–31
  • October 4–17
154 2019–2020 RaleighJanuary 9 – July 12, 2019 [2]
155 2021–2022 RaleighJanuary 13 –
156 2023–2024 RaleighJanuary 11 –

Conventions

Several state conventions were held to ratify state and national constitutions: [1] [10]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina General Assembly</span> Legislative branch of the state government of North Carolina

The North Carolina General Assembly is the bicameral legislature of the state government of North Carolina. The legislature consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The General Assembly meets in the North Carolina State Legislative Building in Raleigh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard Caswell</span> 1st and 5th governor of North Carolina

Richard Caswell was an American politician and lawyer who served as the first and fifth governor of the U.S. state of North Carolina from 1776 to 1780 and from 1785 to 1787. He also served as a senior officer of militia in the Southern theater of the American Revolutionary War. As a delegate to the First Continental Congress, he was a signatory of the 1774 Continental Association.

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1779 met in three sessions in three locations in the years 1779 and 1780. The first session was held in Smithfield from May 3 to May 15, 1779; the second session in Halifax, from October 18 to November 10, 1779; the third and final session in New Bern, from January to February, 1780.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Baptista Ashe (Continental Congress)</span> American politician

John Baptist Ashe was an American politician and military officer from Halifax, North Carolina.

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1780-1781 was the fourth elected legislative body of the State of North Carolina. The assembly consisted of a Senate and House of Commons that met in three sessions in at least two locations in the years 1780 and 1781. Each of the existing 50 North Carolina counties were authorized to elect one Senator and two members of the House of Commons. In addition, six districts also elected one House member each. The first two sessions were probably held in New Bern, North Carolina in April and September 1780. The third session met in Halifax from January 27, 1781 – February 13, 1781.

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1836–1837 met in Raleigh from November 21, 1836 to January 23, 1837. The assembly consisted of the 120 members of the North Carolina House of Commons and 50 senators of North Carolina Senate elected by the voters in August 1836. During the 1836 session, the legislature created Davie County, but it was not until 1842 that Davie County began sending delegates to the General Assembly. William H. Haywood, Jr was elected speaker of the House of Commons and Charles Manley was elected clerk. Hugh Waddell was elected President of the Senate and Thomas G. Stone was elected Clerk. Richard Dobbs Spaight, Jr. was the Governor in 1835 and 1836. He was elected by the previous legislature. In 1837, the Governor of North Carolina, Edward Bishop Dudley from New Hanover County, was elected, for the first time, by the people vice the legislature. The Whigs would control North Carolina politics until 1850. While in power, their notable achievements included funding railroads and roads, public education, and State chartered banks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fayetteville Convention</span>

The Fayetteville Convention was a meeting by 271 delegates from North Carolina to ratify the US Constitution. Governor Samuel Johnston presided over the convention, which met in Fayetteville, North Carolina, from November 16 to 23, 1789 to debate on and decide on the ratification of the Constitution, which had recommended to the states by the Philadelphia Convention during the summer of 1787. The delegates ratified the Constitution by a vote of 194 to 77, thus making North Carolina the 12th state to ratify the constitution.

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1781 met in Wake Court House from June 23 to July 14, 1781. Each of the 50 North Carolina counties were allowed one Senator and two members of the House of Commons; 6 districts/boroughs towns also elected one House member each.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina General Assembly of 1860–1861</span>

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1860–1861 met in Raleigh, North Carolina in regular session from November 19, 1860, to February 25, 1861. They met in extra sessions from May 1, 1861, to May 13, 1861, and from August 15, 1861, to September 23, 1861. This General Assembly decided that each county should vote for special delegates who would decide whether North Carolina should secede from the Union. On May 20, 1861, those special delegates convened in Raleigh and voted unanimously that the state would no longer be a part of the United States of America.

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1782 was the state legislature that first convened in Hillsborough, North Carolina, on April 15, 1782, and concluded on May 18, 1782. Members of the North Carolina Senate and the North Carolina House of Commons were elected by eligible North Carolina voters.

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1783 was the state legislature that convened in Hillsboro, North Carolina from April 18, 1783, to May 17, 1783. Members of the North Carolina Senate and the North Carolina House of Commons were elected by eligible North Carolina voters. This was the last assembly to meet during the American Revolution. Much of their time was devoted to taking care of the North Carolina soldiers that fought in the war.

The Second North Carolina Provincial Congress was the second extra-legal unicameral body of the North Carolina Provincial Congress that met beginning in 1774. They were modeled after the colonial lower house. These congresses created a government structure, issued bills of credit to pay for the movement, and organized an army for defense, in preparation for the state of North Carolina. These congresses paved the way for the first meeting of the North Carolina General Assembly on April 7, 1777 in New Bern, North Carolina. The second Congress met in New Bern from April 3 to April 7, 1775.

The Fourth North Carolina Provincial Congress was one of five extra-legal unicameral bodies that met beginning in the summer of 1774 through 1776. They were modeled after the colonial lower house. These congresses created a government structure, issued bills of credit to pay for the movement, organized an army for defense, wrote a constitution and bill of rights that established the state of North Carolina, and elected their first acting governor in the fifth congress that met in 1776. These congresses paved the way for the first meeting of the North Carolina General Assembly on April 7, 1777 in New Bern, North Carolina. The Fourth Congress met in Halifax from April 4 to May 14, 1776. Samuel Johnston served as president, with Allen Jones as vice-president.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina Constitutional Convention of 1835</span>

The North Carolina Constitutional Convention of 1835 was a meeting of delegates elected by eligible voters in counties in the United States state of North Carolina to amend the Constitution of North Carolina written in 1776 by the Fifth North Carolina Provincial Congress. They met in Raleigh, North Carolina from June 4, 1835, to July 11, 1835, and approved several amendments to the constitution that were voted on and approved by the voters of North Carolina on November 9, 1835. These amendments improved the representation of the more populous counties in the Piedmont and western regions of the state and, for the first time, provided for the election of the governor by popular vote rather than election by the members of the General Assembly.

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1835 met in Raleigh from November 16, 1835 to December 22, 1835. The assembly consisted of the 137 members of the North Carolina House of Commons and 65 senators of North Carolina Senate elected by the voters in August 1835. This was the last assembly elected before the amendments to the Constitution of North Carolina from the North Carolina Constitutional Convention of 1835 took effect. Thus, the House of Commons included representatives from towns and the number of members of the house was greater than 120. William H. Haywood, Jr was elected speaker of the House of Commons and Charles Manley was elected clerk. William D. Mosely was elected President of the Senate and William J. Cowan was elected Clerk. Richard Dobbs Spaight, Jr. was elected the Governor by the assembly and served from December 10, 1835 to December 31, 1836. He was the last governor of North Carolina to be elected by the General Assembly.

The North Carolina General Assembly of April to June 1784 met in New Bern from April 19 to June 3, 1784. The assembly consisted of the 120 members of the North Carolina House of Commons and 50 senators of North Carolina Senate elected by the voters in April 1784. As prescribed by the 1776 Constitution of North Carolina, the General Assembly elected Alexander Martin to continue as Governor of North Carolina. In addition, the assembly elected members of the Council of State.

The North Carolina General Assembly of October 1784 met in New Bern from October 25, 1784 to November 26, 1784. The assembly consisted of the 116 members of the North Carolina House of Commons and 55 senators of North Carolina Senate elected by the voters on August 20, 1784. As prescribed by the 1776 Constitution of North Carolina the General Assembly elected Richard Caswell as Governor of North Carolina and members of the Council of State.

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1785 met in New Bern from November 18, 1785, to December 29, 1785. The assembly consisted of the 114 members of the North Carolina House of Commons and 54 senators of North Carolina Senate elected by the voters on August 19, 1785. During the 1785 session, the legislature created Rockingham County. As prescribed by the 1776 Constitution of North Carolina the General Assembly elected Richard Caswell to continue as Governor of North Carolina and members of the Council of State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina General Assembly of 1868–1869</span>

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1868–1869 met in Raleigh from November 16, 1868, to April 12, 1869, with a special session from July 1, 1868, to August 24, 1868. This was the first assembly to meet after the approval of the new Constitution of North Carolina in 1868. As prescribed in this constitution, the assembly consisted of the 120 members in the North Carolina House of Representatives and 43 senators in the North Carolina Senate elected by the voters on August 6, 1868. This assembly was in control of the Republican Party and was dominated by reconstruction era politics.

The North Carolina General Assembly of 1862–1864 met in Raleigh from November 17, 1862, to December 22, 1862. Extra sessions were held on January 19, 1863 – February 12, 1863; June 30, 1863 – July 7, 1863; November 23, 1863 – December 14, 1863; and May 17–30, 1864. The assembly consisted of the 120 members of the North Carolina House of Commons from 82 counties and 50 senators representing one or more counties in North Carolina Senate elected by the voters in October 1862. Zebulon Baird Vance was Governor of North Carolina during this assembly. This assembly met during the American Civil War as part of the Confederate States of America. Much of the legislation passed by this assembly dealt with the managing the state and its population during wartime.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Connor, R.D.D. (1913). A Manual of North Carolina (PDF). Raleigh: North Carolina Historical Commission. p. 453–. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 "North Carolina General Assembly". Ballotpedia.org . Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "North Carolina Constitution and Amendments". NHINET.ORG. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  4. 1 2 Orth, John V. (2006). "State Constitution". NCPedia. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  5. Connor, Henry Groves (1908). "North Carolina Constitution of 1835". DOCSouth. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  6. Humber, John L. (2006). "North Carolina Constitution of 1835". NCPedia. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  7. "North Carolina Constitution of 1868" (PDF). North Carolina Legislature. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  8. "North Carolina Constitution". North Carolina General Assembly. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  9. Wheeler, John H. (1874). "The Legislative Manual and Political Register of the State of North Carolina" . Retrieved April 9, 2019.
  10. 1 2 3 John L. Cheney Jr., ed. (1975). North Carolina Government, 1585-1974, A Narrative and Statistical History.
  11. Lewis, J.D. "North Carolina General Assemblies, 1800s". Carolana.com. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  12. Lewis, J.D. "North Carolina General Assemblies, Early Statehood". Carolana.com. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  13. Lewis, J.D. "North Carolina General Assemblies, 1900s". Carolana.com. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  14. Lewis, J.D. "North Carolina General Assemblies, 2000s". Carolana.com. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  15. Lewis, J.D. "Historical Documents of the Legislative Branch". Carolana.com. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
  16. See, also, articles on each assembly for additional references.
  17. Uncertain, but Governor Abner Nash was elected in April 1780, so session was started.
  18. "Session Laws: North Carolina". HeinOnline . New York: William S. Hein & Co., Inc. Retrieved March 22, 2019.(subscription required)
  19. Lewis, J.D. "NC Revolution State House 1780". The American Revolution in North Carolina. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  20. Cotten, Alice R. (1988). "Jacob Henry". NCPEDIA. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  21. Stanley L. Engerman (2005). "The Evolution of Suffrage Institutions in the New World" (PDF). Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  22. 1 2 3 "When is the General Assembly in Session?". ncleg.gov. Retrieved November 26, 2019.