Final answer:
The Piedmont region of North Carolina underwent significant industrial development and urbanization, contrasting with the early development difficulties in the Coastal Plain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The region of North Carolina that experienced highly prosperous industrial development and urbanization is the Piedmont region. Unlike the early development in the Coastal Plain, which was hindered by swamps, marshlands, and the lack of natural harbors, the Piedmont region benefited from urbanization and the economic growth associated with the industrial revolution. This region's development was part of the broader trend in the South, where historically agricultural economies began transitioning to industrial economies, fostering the growth of cities, a professional middle class, and overall regional prosperity.