History | Symbols | Interesting Facts | Famous People
Dogwood |
North Carolina |
North Carolina State Flag |
Cardinal |
State Bird: Cardinal State Mammal: Gray
Squirrel State Dog:
Plott Hound State Fish: Channel
Bass State Reptile:
Eastern Box Turtle State Insect:
Honey Bee State Flower: Dogwood State Tree: Pine State Vegetable: Sweet
Potato State Rock: Granite State Stone:
Emerald State Shell: Scotch
Bonnet State Beverage: Milk State Boat: Shad Boat |
State Song: The Old North State; words written by William Gaston, music collected and arranged by Mrs. E. E. Randolph State Colors:
Blue and Red Motto: To
be rather than to seem Origin of State
Name: The
state was named in honor of King Charles I and King Charles II of
England; the Latin word Carolinus, means "of Charles." Nickname for State: The Tar Heel State. One version of the nickname's origin has the name first being applied to North Carolinians during the Civil War. One record talks of a battle in Virginia, where their supporting column retreated, but North Carolina troops fought alone. The victorious troops were asked in a condescending tone by some Virginians, who had retreated, "Any more tar down in the Old North State, boys?" The response came quickly: "No, not a bit; old Jeff's bought it all up." The Virginians asked: "Is that so? What is he going to do with it?" The reply: "He is going to put it on you'ns heels to make you stick better in the next fight." Nickname for residents: North Carolinians |