The North Carolina General Assembly of 1868–1869 met in Raleigh from November 16, 1868, to April 12, 1869, with a special session from July 1, 1868, to August 24, 1868.

A president pro temp would be elected by the senators to serve in the absence of the lieutenant governor.

[5][6] The 1868 Constitution included provisions to establish public education for the first time, prohibit slavery, and adopt universal suffrage.

In anticipation of readmission to the U.S. Congress, on June 25, 1868, the assembly elected John Pool of Elizabeth City and Joseph Carter Abbott of Wilmington to the United States Senate.

[9] Every Southern state subsidized railroads, which modernizers believed could haul the South out of isolation and poverty.

One ring in North Carolina spent $200,000 in bribing the legislature and obtained millions in state money for its railroads.

Instead of building new track, however, it used the funds to speculate in bonds, reward friends with extravagant fees, and enjoy lavish trips to Europe.

Alleghany, Clay, Mitchell, Polk, Transylvania, and Wilson counties sent delegates to the assembly for the first time.