North Carolina acquired the nickname, "the Tar Heel State" due to its relationship with tar, pitch and turpentine. The occupation was considered a demeaning occupation by the early colonies; we continued to be viewed negatively throughout the antebellum period. The longleaf pine belt extended from eastern North Carolina to east Texas. The tall straight longleaf trees stirred the spirits of the Native Americans and early settlers alike. If we could view this forest we too would fall under its spell of wonder and reverence.