Daylight Savings Time and North Carolina’s Path to Adoption

Published Mar 10, 2025 by
Filed under:

Twice a year, Americans adjust their clocks—springing forward an hour in March and falling back an hour in November. Daylight Saving Time (DST) has long been a topic of debate, with proponents arguing that it saves energy and increases daylight for productivity, while critics decry its disruptive effects on sleep and schedules. In North Carolina, the decision to adopt DST was not immediate, and it wasn’t until 1968 that the state’s General Assembly voted in favor of officially observing the practice. Understanding the history of DST and how North Carolina came to embrace it offers insight into the complexities of timekeeping and its impact on society.

The Origins of Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time has its roots in maximizing daylight hours for economic and social benefits. The concept is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who, during his time in Paris in 1784, humorously suggested that people could save on candle use if they woke up earlier. However, the modern DST system took shape much later, with serious proposals emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Germany was the first country to implement DST on a large scale, adopting the practice in 1916 during World War I to conserve fuel. Soon after, other nations, including the United States, followed suit. The U.S. first experimented with DST during World War I and again during World War II under the name “War Time.” After the wars, the system was largely abandoned, but some states and localities continued to observe their versions, leading to widespread confusion.

The Push for Uniformity

By the mid-20th century, the lack of standardization in DST practices across the United States created significant challenges, particularly for businesses, transportation, and broadcasting. To address this, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which sought to establish the consistent observance of DST nationwide. Under this legislation, states were given the choice to either adopt DST uniformly or opt out entirely, but they could not create their own schedules.

Letter from A. C. Shepherd of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, requesting Ruffin C. Godwin of the North Carolina General Assembly to vote yes for North Carolina to adopt Daylight Savings Time. Godwin was representative of Craven County in the General Assembly for 1965, 1967, and 1969. Item from Ruffin C. Godwin Papers (#611), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

North Carolina’s Decision to Adopt Daylight Savings Time

Following the Uniform Time Act, states had to decide whether to officially observe DST. While some states, such as Arizona and Hawaii, chose to remain on standard time year-round, North Carolina took a different approach.

During the 1967 and 1968 sessions of the North Carolina General Assembly, legislators debated the merits and drawbacks of DST. Supporters argued that it would benefit businesses, particularly those involved in commerce and tourism, by providing an extra hour of daylight in the evening. Farmers, on the other hand, expressed concerns about disruptions to their schedules, as their work often depended on natural light rather than clock time.

Ultimately, the North Carolina General Assembly voted to adopt DST in 1968, aligning the state with federal guidelines. The decision meant North Carolinians would set their clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall, joining the majority of the country in the practice.

The Impact of Daylight Savings Time on North Carolina

Since its adoption, DST has had a lasting impact on various aspects of life in North Carolina. One of the most immediate benefits was its effect on the state’s growing economy. Retail businesses, restaurants, and outdoor recreation industries benefited from the extended daylight hours in the evening, as people were more inclined to shop, dine out, and engage in leisure activities after work.

Tourism, a major economic driver for North Carolina, also saw advantages. The Outer Banks, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and other popular destinations benefited from visitors having more daylight hours to explore and enjoy local attractions.

However, DST has been controversial. Critics argue that the biannual clock changes disrupt sleep patterns, leading to negative health effects such as increased rates of heart attacks and accidents in the days following the transitions. Some also question whether DST results in significant energy savings, as was originally intended.

The Future of Daylight Savings Time

Over the years, discussions about modifying or eliminating DST have resurfaced. In recent years, several states, including North Carolina, have considered legislation to make DST permanent, eliminating the need for twice-yearly clock changes. The idea has gained traction at the national level as well, with the U.S. Senate passing the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, though it has yet to become law.

For now, North Carolinians continue to follow the spring-forward, fall-back tradition. Whether the state will eventually opt for permanent DST or return to standard time remains an open question, but the 1968 decision to adopt DST marked a significant moment in the state’s history.

Conclusion

The journey to adopting Daylight Saving Time in North Carolina was part of a broader national movement toward time standardization. While the state’s General Assembly ultimately voted for DST in 1968, the decision was not without debate, reflecting the diverse perspectives on its benefits and drawbacks. As discussions about the future of DST continue, North Carolina’s experience serves as a reminder of how timekeeping policies can shape daily life, business, and public health.

Bibliography