Tar Heel

I see references to "Tar Heel" as I travel this part of the North Carolina and wondered what the significance was ...  I asked at the History Museum and the docent confirmed this information:

Tar Heel is a nickname applied to the U.S. state of North Carolina and its inhabitants.
The exact etymology of the nickname is unknown, but most folklore believe its roots come from the fact that tar, pitch, and turpentine created from the vast pine forests were some of North Carolina's most important exports early in the state's history. For a time after the American Civil War, the name Tar Heel was derogatory, but it was later re-appropriated by the people of North Carolina. Because the exact history of the term is unknown, a number of legends have developed to explain it. One such legend claims it to be a nickname given during the U.S. Civil War, because of the state's importance on the Confederate side, and the fact that the troops "stuck to their ranks like they had tar on their heels". The term "Tar Heel" gained popularity during the Civil War.

I stopped here to eat .... it is very close to the campground and I heard it had great Barbecue.   I ordered a "BBQ salad" and this was what I received ..... shredded lettuce on a plate, rimmed with a cut tomato, topped with shredded cheese and a mound of BBQ pork shoulder, chopped .... served with Ranch dressing, more BBQ sauce, and crackers.  It was very rich!  I could only eat half, but it was good.

I was talking to the waitress about the slaw .... Sandee said that they put it on the sandwiches unless you request it to be left off.  She confirmed that they did; also that there was a choice between red and white slaw.  The red slaw is made with a ketchup base, rather than mayonnaise.  I'm not sure I can even try that.  ha.