List of North Carolina state symbols facts for kids
Did you know that the state of North Carolina has over 40 official symbols? These special symbols represent the state's history, nature, and culture. Most of them are chosen by the state's lawmakers, called the North Carolina General Assembly. They are written down in North Carolina's laws.
North Carolina has two traditional nicknames: "The Old North State" and "The Tar Heel State." These names are popular, but they haven't been made official by law.
The very first state symbol was the Seal of North Carolina, chosen in 1871. This seal also included the state's motto. For 14 years, it was the only symbol! Then, in 1885, the state flag was adopted. Some of the newest symbols were chosen in 2013. These include clay as the state art medium, megalodon teeth as the state fossil, and the Pine Barrens tree frog as the state frog. The Virginia opossum is the state marsupial, and the marbled salamander is the state salamander.
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North Carolina's Official Symbols
North Carolina has many interesting symbols. Let's explore some of them!
State Insignia: Flags, Mottos, and Seals
These symbols represent the state itself and its history.
The North Carolina State Flag
The state flag was adopted in 1885. It has a blue stripe on the left with a white star. Around the star are the letters "N" and "C" in gold. Above the star, a gold ribbon says "May 20, 1775." This date is when the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was supposedly signed, a very early call for independence from Britain. Below the star, another ribbon says "April 12, 1776." This date is when North Carolina's leaders voted to support independence from Great Britain. The rest of the flag has two stripes: a red one on top and a white one on the bottom.
North Carolina's Motto: Esse Quam Videri
North Carolina's state motto is Esse quam videri. This is a Latin phrase that means "To be, rather than to seem." It was chosen in 1893. This motto suggests that it's more important to actually be good or true than to just appear that way.
The State Seal of North Carolina
The Seal of North Carolina was made official in 1871. It shows two figures: Liberty and Plenty. Liberty holds a pole with a cap on it, showing freedom. Plenty holds three stalks of corn, representing the state's rich land. In the background, mountains and a ship show the state's geography and trade.
Amazing Animals of North Carolina (Fauna)
North Carolina is home to many different animals, and some of them are official state symbols!
The State Bird: The Cardinal
The Cardinal became North Carolina's state bird in 1943. These birds are easy to spot because the males are bright red! Cardinals are known for their cheerful songs and can be seen all year round, even in winter. They often visit bird feeders.
The State Butterfly: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
In 2012, the Eastern tiger swallowtail became the state butterfly. These large, yellow butterflies have black stripes, like a tiger! They are common throughout North Carolina and are often seen fluttering around gardens in the summer.
The State Dog: The Plott Hound
The Plott Hound was named the state dog in 1989. This breed of dog actually started in North Carolina! Plott Hounds are known for being brave, loyal, and good at hunting. They are strong and have a unique "brindle" coat pattern, which means they have stripes of different colors.
The State Fossil: Megalodon Teeth
Imagine a shark bigger than a school bus! That's the Megalodon, an ancient shark that lived millions of years ago. In 2013, megalodon teeth became North Carolina's state fossil. These huge teeth are often found along the state's coast, showing that these giant sharks once swam in the waters here.
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The State Insect: The Western Honey Bee
The Western honey bee became the state insect in 1973. Honey bees are super important! They help pollinate plants, which means they help plants make fruits and vegetables. Of course, they also make delicious honey. Bees live in large groups called colonies and work together.
The State Marsupial: The Virginia Opossum
A marsupial is an animal that carries its babies in a pouch, like a kangaroo! The Virginia opossum was named the state marsupial in 2013. Opossums are the only marsupials found in North America. They are known for "playing dead" when they feel threatened.
The State Reptile: The Eastern Box Turtle
The Eastern box turtle became the state reptile in 1979. These turtles are special because they can completely close their shell to protect themselves from danger. They live on land and have beautiful patterns on their shells.
Wonderful Plants of North Carolina (Flora)
North Carolina's natural beauty is also celebrated through its plant symbols.
The State Carnivorous Plant: Venus Flytrap
North Carolina is one of the few places in the world where the Venus flytrap grows naturally! This amazing plant, chosen as a state symbol in 2005, catches insects. Its leaves form a trap that snaps shut when an insect touches tiny trigger hairs. It then digests the insect for nutrients.
The State Flower: Flowering Dogwood
The Flowering dogwood was chosen as the state flower in 1941. In spring, these trees are covered in beautiful white or pink "flowers" (which are actually special leaves called bracts). They are a common and lovely sight across North Carolina.
The State Tree: The Pine
The Pine tree, from the genus Pinus, became the state tree in 1963. North Carolina is sometimes called "The Tar Heel State" because of its history with pine trees. People used to make tar, pitch, and turpentine from pine trees, which were important for ships. Pine trees are very common throughout the state.
North Carolina's Culture and More
The state also has symbols that represent its culture, food, and even its geology!
The State Art Medium: Clay
In 2013, clay was named the state art medium. North Carolina has a rich history of pottery, especially in the Seagrove area. Artists use clay from the earth to create beautiful and useful pottery.
The State Beverage: Milk
Milk became North Carolina's official state beverage in 1987. It's a healthy and important part of many people's diets, and North Carolina has many dairy farms.
The State Fruit: Scuppernong Grape
The Scuppernong grape was chosen as the state fruit in 2001. This is a type of muscadine grape, which is native to the southeastern United States. These grapes are often used to make juice, jelly, and wine.
The State Sport: Stock Car Racing
North Carolina has a strong connection to Stock car racing, which became the state sport in 2011. Many famous race car drivers and teams come from North Carolina, and the state has several well-known racetracks.
The State Vegetable: Sweet Potato
The Sweet potato was named the state vegetable in 1995. North Carolina is the leading producer of sweet potatoes in the United States! These healthy and tasty vegetables are grown all over the state.
Other Symbols of North Carolina
North Carolina has many more symbols that represent different parts of the state.
| Type | Symbol | Year | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildflower | Carolina lily Lilium michauxii |
2003 | — |
| Frog | Pine Barrens tree frog Hyla andersonii |
2013 |  |
| Freshwater trout | Southern Appalachian brook trout | 2005 |  |
| Horse | Colonial Spanish Mustang | 2010 |  |
| Mammal | Eastern gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis |
1969 |  |
| Salamander | Marbled salamander Ambystoma opacum |
2013 |  |
| Saltwater fish | Channel bass | 1971 |  |
| Shell | Scotch bonnet | 1965 |  |
| Mineral | Gold Aurum |
2011 |  |
| Rock | Granite | 1979 |  |
| Stone | Emerald | 1973 |  |
| Blue berry | Blueberry Vaccinium genus |
2001 |  |
| Colors | The red and blue of the North Carolina and United States flags | 1945 | — |
| Folk dance | Clogging | 2005 |  |
| Language | English language | 1987 | — |
| Popular dance | Shagging | 2005 | — |
| Red berry | Strawberry Fragaria genus |
2001 |  |
| Song | "The Old North State" | 1927 | — |
| Toast | The Tar Heel Toast | 1957 | — |
| Tartan | Carolina tartan | 1991 | — |
Images for kids
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Fraser fir
See also
- List of North Carolina-related topics
- Lists of United States state insignia
- State of North Carolina
