1. State Symbols of North Carolina

2. State Flag
The state flag was adopted on June 22, 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.

3. 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.

4. State Song
The state song is called “The Old North State” and was adopted in 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!

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

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

7. 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.

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

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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!

13. 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.

14. 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.