List of townships in North Carolina facts for kids
North Carolina is a state in the United States. It is divided into 100 large areas called counties. Within these counties, there are 1,035 smaller areas known as townships.
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How Townships Started in North Carolina
North Carolina's government changed a lot in 1868. They decided to use a "Township and County Commissioner Plan." This idea came from Pennsylvania's government system.
Why Townships Were Created
Townships were made as smaller parts of each county. Each township had its own board. This board had two justices of the peace and a clerk. These people were elected for two years. Their jobs included taking care of roads and managing township money. They also helped with property taxes. Townships also elected constables and school committee members.
The main reason for creating townships was to give more people a say in government. Before this, rich plantation owners had a lot of control over counties. Townships were meant to break up that power. They allowed regular citizens to get more involved.
Changes Over Time
At first, many people didn't mind the townships. But some white supremacists and people against the Reconstruction policies didn't like them. As more Black people were elected to local jobs, these groups wanted to get rid of townships even more.
In 1874, a group called the "Redeemers" took control of the state government. They wanted to stop Black people from having political power in local areas. So, in 1875, they held a special meeting to change the state's rules. They wanted to completely remove townships. But there was strong opposition. So, they had to agree to a compromise. They added rules that let the North Carolina General Assembly take away the townships' powers. By 1880, townships had lost most of their power. County governments gained more control.
In the 1890s, a group called the "Fusionist coalition" took charge for a short time. This group included Republicans and Populists. The Republicans wanted to give townships their powers back. But the Populists didn't support this idea. So, it didn't happen. By the early 1900s, townships were mostly just names for areas. They didn't have much political importance anymore.
What Townships Are Today
North Carolina's townships were never officially removed. So, they still exist today. However, they don't have much legal power. They are mostly used for organizing things. For example, they help with land records and collecting taxes. They also help set up voting areas. Townships also play a role in creating fire and school districts.
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Municipios de Carolina del Norte para niños
