Symbols, Events, & People North Carolina Symbols, Events, & People

Symbols What is a symbol? Activity- Match the 12 statements with the 12 pictures

Our State Bird The Cardinal was selected by popular choice as our State Bird on March 4, 1943. The male Cardinal is red all over, except for the area of its throat and the region around its bill which is black The female is much duller in color with the red confined mostly to the crest, wings, and tail.

The Cardinal

Our State Flag The first date, "May 20, 1775," refers to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, although many speculate the authenticity of this particular document. The date, April 12th, 1776, commemorates the Halifax Resolves, a document that places the Old North State in the very front rank, both in point of time and in spirit, among those that demanded unconditional freedom and absolute independence from any foreign power.

The Flag

Our State Flag There have been no changes in the state flag since 1885. All state institutions, public buildings, and courthouses must display the state flag.

Our State Flower The General Assembly of 1941 designated the dogwood as the State Flower The Dogwood is one of the most prevalent trees in our State and can be found in all parts of the State from the mountains to the coast

The Dogwood

Our State Insect The General Assembly of 1973 designated the Honey Bee as the official State Insect. This industrious creature is responsible for the annual production of more than $2 million worth of honey in the state The greatest value of Honey Bees is their role in the growing cycle as a major contributor to the pollination of North Carolina crops

The Honey Bee

Our State Mammal The General Assembly of 1969 designated the Gray Squirrel as the official State Mammal. The gray squirrel is a common inhabitant of most areas of North Carolina from "the swamps of eastern North Carolina to the upland hardwood forests of the piedmont and western counties."

The Gray Squirrel

Our State Motto and Seal Motto- Esse Quam Videri ("to be rather than to seem“) The Great Seal of North Carolina

The Great Seal of North Carolina The parts of the seal have meaning. Two women represent Liberty (freedom) and Plenty (the bounty of North Carolina) Have you seen other seals?

Caswell County Seal

Other State Symbols Dog - Plott Hound Fish-Channel Bass

Other State Symbols Reptile - Eastern Box Turtle Rock - Granite

The State Nickname The Old North State or The Tar Heel State Carolina was divided in 1710. New part became South Carolina and the old part became North Carolina. “The Old North State.” There are many tales as to why we got the nickname Tar Heel State

What are some events that happened in NC? In 1587 - Virginia Dare becomes the first child of English parentage to be born in America. In 1789 - North Carolina ratifies the United States Constitution, becoming the 12th state to enter the Union (November 21). In 1794 - The state capital is moved to Raleigh. In 1960 - The sit-in movement to win civil rights for black Americans begins in Greensboro. In 2001 – Terrorists attack on U.S. soil causing war with Iraq.

Famous People from NC Andy Griffith Richard Petty Mount Airy Ava Gardner Level Cross Andrew Johnson actor Smithfield auto racer Raleigh actress U.S. president

More Famous People from NC Elizabeth Dole Randy Travis James K. Polk Salisbury Charlotte Mecklenburg United States Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Labor musician U.S. president

Wilbur and Orville Wright – brothers Famous People Cont. Wilbur and Orville Wright – brothers In Kitty Hawk, they invented the first powered airplane and it took off for 20 seconds.

We can’t forget about… Michael Jordan Wilmington athlete

Wax Museum…Coming Soon!! Stay tuned to meet more famous North Carolinians at our wax museum!! 

Make Your Own Symbol!! Take out some paper and make your own North Carolina State symbol. You will need to give it a name and tell me about it in 2-3 sentences. You may color it if you like but only take about 10-15 minutes to do this!