State Symbols of North Carolina

State Flag The state flag was adopted on June 22, 1861. The dates on the flag represent two important dates in NC’s history. April 12, 1776 is the date the states were officially recognized by the American government.

State Seal The two figures on the seal are named Liberty and Plenty. The background represents the mountains to the coast. “Esse quam videri” means “to be rather than to seem”. The date represents the same for the flag.

State Song The state song is called “The Old North State” and was adopted in 1927. Click to connect and hear the song! THE OLD NORTH STATE (words by William Gaston) "Carolina! Carolina! Heaven's blessings attend her! While we live we will cherish, protect and defend her; Though the scorner may sneer at and witlings defame her, Our hearts swell with gladness whenever we name her.        Hurrah! Hurrah! The Old North State forever!        Hurrah! Hurrah! The good Old North State!

State Flower NC’s state flower is the dogwood. It grows on a dogwood tree. It was adopted in 1941.

State Bird The Cardinal was adopted as state bird in 1943. It was chosen by a popular vote. The Cardinal lives in NC all year round.

State Tree The state tree is the Pine Tree. It is an evergreen, which means it keeps its green color all year round. It was adopted as the state tree in 1963.

State Shell The state shell is the Scotch Bonnet (pronounced bonay). It was adopted by the state in 1965. These shells can be found in great numbers off the coast of NC.

State Mammal The Gray Squirrel became the state mammal in 1969. This particular type of squirrel is found throughout all of NC. They are able to survive and find food all year long.

State Insect The state insect is the Honey Bee. The Honey Bee provides income for the state by making honey. It also helps to pollinate the crops grown in NC.

State Rock Granite is the state rock of NC. Granite is used to build statues, memorials, and buildings throughout the state and country. You can see an example of a grave marker made from granite below.

State Beverage Milk is NC’s state beverage. NC produces a lot of milk for dairy products each year. North Carolinian’s also consume over 143 million gallons of milk a year!

State Dog The state dog is a Plott Hound. It is the only breed of dog that originated in NC. The Plott Hound is a hunting dog. It is also a good tracker and a courageous fighter when necessary.

State Vegetable The state vegetable is the sweet potato. In 1995, students at a high school in NC asked the General Assembly to adopt this vegetable as a state symbol. NC produces more sweet potatoes than any other state.