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. 

Harley Street is where Margaret lives in the beginning of the novel. Due to the circumstances to Margaret's father surrounding his change in faith they are forced to move away from Harley Steet Margaret's mother expresses concern by stating, "how will Margaret bear our make-shift poverty after the thorough comfort and luxury in Harley Street,".

South Hampton is home. This location is incredibly important to this novel because it represents their old life. The life of peace, serenity and nature, as well as the morals that Margaret’s family have come to adopt. Margaret tries not to act sad for leaving this place but is clear sad at leaving her home.