Question

which factor did not contribute to north carolinas industrial growth during the gilded age?
large labor force
expansion of railroads
plentiful cotton and timber
discoveries of precious metals

Explanation:

During the Gilded Age, North Carolina's industrial growth was driven by railroads (for transport), a large labor force (for factory work), and local raw materials like cotton and timber. Precious metal discoveries were not a feature of the state's industrial development in this era.

Answer:

Discoveries of precious metals