“The Old North State” is North Carolina’s state song, adopted in 1927. The lyrics by William Gaston describe the state’s struggles and enduring spirit. The music has evolved over time, with the current version arranged by Mrs. EE Randolph in 1926. Gaston composed the lyrics in 1835 after hearing a melody from Swiss bell ringers. […]
The state flower of North Carolina is the flowering dogwood, which blooms in spring and summer and bears red berries in fall and winter. It was chosen over the daisy as the state flower in 1941 due to its predominance in the state. The tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and is found […]
North Carolina’s state motto “Esse quam videri” means “To be, rather than to seem.” It was adopted in 1893 and comes from a statement by Cicero. North Carolina was the last of the original thirteen states to adopt a motto. Other state symbols include the gray squirrel, the flag, and the state song “The Old […]
