The authors conducted a content analysis of North Carolina history textbooks to explore how the definition of immigration has changed over the last century. They also examined how immigrant groups and involuntary Americans have been portrayed throughout the state's history. Findings suggest that as a burgeoning gateway state for immigrants, North Carolina's definition for immigration was slow to evolve and at times contradictory. Moreover, immigrant groups were often presented inaccurately or vaguely. Slavery and Native American conflicts were sanitized in favor of nation building, while texts neglect the lasting consequences of these conflicts. Textbooks from the state symbolically commoditized immigrant groups while ignoring their socio-cultural contributions. The authors discuss implications for textbook publishers, social studies teachers, and teacher education programs. (Contains 3 tables and 2 notes.)