In the novel, Margret's Aunt Shaw visits Naples and sends letters to Margret, telling her about her adventures. Later in the story, after Mr. Hale has died and Margret is greatly greiving, Mr. Bell comments on the fact that Mrs. Shaw could go to Naples at an "interesting time," but could not visit Milton to check up on her niece. At the first mention of Naples, Margret is telling her father about her aunts trip to distract him from worrying about Mrs. Hale. The second mention of Naples is used by Mr. Bell to complain about Mrs. Shaw's priorities. 

In 1841, The Governesses' Benevolent Institution, later renamed the  School Mistress and Governesses Institution in 1952, was founded in London and became the first organization to advocate for the betterment of the conditions of employment for governesses at the time. Originally formed to aid impoverished governesses during illness and old age, the Institution gradually expanded in not only location, but also in the support, both financial and emotional, and aid offered.

Plymouth is a city in the southern part of England. It is a port city, and during the Industrial Revolution became a primary commercial port. It is home also to the University of Plymouth. In North and South, it is mentioned as the port from which Edith and her husband embark near the beginning of the novel. Additionally, Mr. Bell, Frederick's godfather, is acknolwedged as being a Fellow of Plymouth College at Oxford. At this point in time, the port was seperate from the town, which was named Devonport, as the two were not combined until 1914.

The North American nation of Mexico appears in North and South exactly once, stated as having been mentioned by Frederick as a place where he had travelled. Mexico, during the time the book was being written, had just emerged from a series of devastating political wars and rebellions. In the 1920's, Spain attempted to reconquer Mexico, resulting in a few skirmishes between 1821 and 1825. In 1838, France attempted to invade and subjugate Mexico in revenge for extortion and looting against Frenchmen in the country by Mexican nationals. This conflict was known as the Pastry War.

Oxford appears multiple times in "North and South". It is where Mrs. Hale wished they had moved, where the most esteemed and educated men are, and where Mr. Bell thinks Margaret belongs. While Oxford is mentioned many times, the audience is never actually taken to Oxford, its merely a common place.