| Name | Kingdom of Albemarle |
| Type | Constitutional monarchy |
| Economy | Thriving |
| History | Formed after a successful revolt against the British crown |
| Society | Diverse and multicultural |
| Ideology | Liberal democracy • Abolitionism |
| Location | Eastern coast of North America |
| Influence | Significant economic and political in the region |
| Established | 18th century |
The Kingdom of Albemarle is a constitutional monarchy located on the eastern coast of North America, encompassing the former British colonies of Carolina and Georgia. Established in the 18th century after a successful revolt against the British crown, Albemarle has developed into a prosperous, multiracial kingdom with a thriving economy and unique cultural identity.
The origins of the Kingdom of Albemarle date back to the late 17th century, when the Carolina colony was established by a group of English nobles known as the Lords Proprietor. The colony grew rapidly, fueled by agricultural exports like tobacco, rice, and indigo. However, tensions arose between the colonists and the distant British administration over taxation, governance, and the expansion of slavery.
In 1719, the Carolina colonists revolted against the Lords Proprietor and the British Empire, establishing the Albemarle Republic. This republic declared independence and successfully repelled attempts by the British to retake the colony. In 1725, the republic transitioned into the Kingdom of Albemarle, a constitutional monarchy with a representative parliament and an elected monarch as head of state.
The new kingdom rapidly expanded, annexing the neighboring Georgia colony in 1742 and extending its borders westward. Albemarle's strategic location and prosperous economy made it an influential regional power. It remained neutral during the later American Revolutionary War between the Thirteen Colonies and the British Empire.
The Kingdom of Albemarle covers an area of approximately 190,000 square miles, spanning the coastal regions of the Carolinas and Georgia. Its geography is diverse, encompassing barrier islands, saltwater marshes, rolling piedmont hills, and the Appalachian Mountains in the west.
The kingdom's capital and largest city is New Constance, located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Other major urban centers include Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, and Beaufort. The kingdom is bordered to the north by Virginia, to the west by the Cherokee Nation, to the southwest by Spanish Florida, and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean.
The Kingdom of Albemarle has a population of over 1.2 million as of 1800. The majority of the population is of English and Scottish descent, with sizable minorities of French, German, Dutch, and African origin. The kingdom has a higher proportion of free Black and Mulatto residents compared to neighboring slaveholding regions.
The kingdom's society is socially and religiously diverse, with Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Quaker, and Baptist congregations. Albemarle also has a thriving Jewish community, concentrated in cities like New Constance and Charleston.
The Kingdom of Albemarle is a constitutional monarchy, with an elected king or queen as the head of state and a bicameral parliament as the legislative branch. The parliament consists of an upper house of nobles and gentry, and a lower house of elected representatives.
The kingdom's constitution, drafted in 1725, provides for regular elections, a bill of rights, and a separation of powers between the monarchy, legislature, and an independent judiciary. Political parties have emerged, with a liberal faction advocating for expanded democracy and the abolition of slavery, and a more conservative faction aligned with the landed gentry.
Albemarle has a diverse and thriving economy based on agriculture, trade, manufacturing, and shipping. Key exports include tobacco, rice, indigo, timber, and naval stores. The kingdom is a major producer of cotton and has a growing textile industry.
The capital New Constance is a bustling port city and financial hub, home to the Bank of Albemarle and many important mercantile firms. The kingdom also has a flourishing mining industry, extracting gold, silver, copper, and coal.
While Albemarle maintains the institution of slavery, the kingdom has been an early adopter of abolitionist policies compared to its neighbors. A gradual emancipation program is underway, and the proportion of free Black and Mulatto citizens continues to grow.
Albemarle has developed a distinct cultural identity, blending British, European, and African influences. The kingdom's architecture, cuisine, music, and art reflect this diversity. Albemarle is known for its ornate Georgian architecture, flourishing literature and theater scene, and unique Gullah and Lowcountry cultural traditions.
The capital New Constance is a thriving center of culture and learning, home to several prominent universities and museums. The kingdom's Anglican churches, plantations, and historic port cities also attract many tourists.
Albemarle's political stability, economic prosperity, and liberal social policies have made it an attractive destination for immigrants from Europe and free Black Americans seeking opportunity. This influx of people and ideas continues to shape the kingdom's evolving identity.
