North Carolina became the 12th state in 1789 and is the 9th largest state by population with over 10 million residents. It is also the 29th largest state by land and water area with a total area of 53,819 square miles. North Carolina is home to Charlotte, which is the state's largest city with a population of approximately 680,000 people.
Many people believe that in 1775 North Carolina became the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain. The word Carolina comes from Carolus, the Latin form of the name Charles.
Included below are more facts and symbols, a state map, the state song and views of the North Carolina State Quarter.
North Carolina State Capital - Raleigh
State Nicknames - The Old North State and The Tar Heel State
State Motto - "Esse Quam Videri"
State Flower - Flowering Dogwood
State Wildflower - Carolina Lily
State Tree - Pine Tree
Official State Carnivorous Plant - Venus Flytrap
State Mammal - Gray Squirrel
State Dog - Plott Hound
State Bird - Northern Cardinal
State Freshwater Fish - Southern Appalachian Brook Trout
State Saltwater Fish - Channel Bass (Red Drum)
State Insect - Honeybee
State Reptile - Eastern Box Turtle
State Shell - Scotch Bonnet
State Precious Gemstone - Emerald
State Rock or Stone - Granite
State Boat - Shad Boat
State Colors - Red and Blue
State Folk Dance - Clogging
State Official Popular Dance - Shagging
State Fruit - Scuppernong Grape
State Vegetable - Sweet Potato
State Official Red Berry - Strawberry
State Official Blue Berry - Blueberry
State Beverage - Milk
State Official Christmas Tree - Fraser Fir
Official State Web Site - www.nc.gov
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!
Though she envies not others their merited glory,
Say, whose name stands the foremost in Liberty's story!
Though too true to herself e'er to crouch to oppression,
Who can yield to just rule more loyal submission?
Plain and artless her sons, but whose doors open faster
At the knock of a stranger, or the tale of disaster?
How like to the rudeness of their dear native mountains,
With rich ore in their bosoms and life in their fountains.
And her daughters, the Queen of the Forest resembling–
So graceful, so constant, yet to gentlest breath trembling;
And true lightwood at heart, let the match be applied them,
How they kindle and flame! Oh! none know but who've tried them.
Then let all who love us, love the land that we live in
(As happy a region on this side of Heaven),
Where Plenty and Freedom, Love and Peace smile before us,
Raise aloud, raise together, the heart-thrilling chorus!"
Here's to the land of the long leaf pine,
The summer land where the sun doth shine,
Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great,
Here's to "Down Home," the Old North State!
Here's to the land of the cotton bloom white,
Where the scuppernong perfumes the breeze at night,
Where the soft southern moss and jessamine mate,
'Neath the murmuring pines of the Old North State!
Here's to the land where the galax grows,
Where the rhododendron's rosette glows,
Where soars Mount Mitchell's summit great,
In the "Land of the Sky," in the Old North State!
Here's to the land where maidens are fair,
Where friends are true and cold hearts rare,
The near land, the dear land, whatever fate,
The blest land, the best land, the Old North State!
United States Mint 50 State Quarters© Program coin:
(United States Mint Images)
US State Facts © MCGWDD