Rudersdorf, Amy. 2010. "NC County Maps." Government & Heritage Library, Library of North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why counties?

County lines are constructs (as are all borders). The land that is now called North Carolina is the land of the Catawba Nation, the Coharie Tribe, the Eastern Band of Cherokee, the Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the Meherrin Indian Tribe, the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, and the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe

But, when I moved to NC, I quickly became aware that people very much oriented to county identity, especially in more rural counties. It made me curious to explore the region I am living in on that level.

Also, 100 is a nice round number that was a compelling goal for a Virgo like me.

What counts as a visit?

No driving through! I have to spend time there, but there are no specific requirements. Things I like to do: explore nature, visit museums/cultural centers, learn about history, eat food, or see local businesses!

When I talk to people about what I’ve been up to, I get a wide variety of reactions (from “that’s fun!” to “why would you want to go to that county!”). Some people are surprised that a very visibly queer and trans person like myself would want to travel to more rural spaces of NC, especially as those places are imagined as hostile to queer folks.

I try to hold multiple true things at once: yes, there are times where I have felt uncomfortable as a queer person going to new places across the state. Driving around North Carolina in 2025, it’s not uncommon to see Trump signs and Confederate flags. I also know that as a white person, I have privilege of movement through these spaces that friends of color often don’t have. And I know that there are queer people and non-white people who live in many of these counties, even when the stereotypes imagine that they aren’t there.

This project is for me to learn more about where I live, to spend time with loved ones on trips and adventures, and to have fun. Scroll below to see what got up to in each county, but know that there are many many more photos, stories, and conversations that won’t be documented here. Please feel free to ask me more & give me future recommendations!