Flag of North Carolina (US state)

The flag of the state of North Carolina is a powerful and historical symbol that embodies the state's deep connections to the American Revolution and its enduring spirit of independence. Its design, officially adopted in 1885, is a testament to the state’s historical significance and a source of great pride for its residents. The flag is unique among US state flags for prominently featuring two historical dates that mark pivotal moments in the state's journey towards independence.

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Dimensions

The flag’s design is a clear and direct reflection of the state's history and values. It consists of a vertical blue stripe on the hoist side and two horizontal stripes, red on top and white on the bottom, on the fly side.

• Colors and Arrangement: The colors red, white, and blue are the same as those of the national flag, signifying North Carolina’s place in the Union. The specific design elements are:

  • Vertical Blue Stripe: This stripe is located on the left side of the flag and occupies one-third of its length.

  • Horizontal Stripes: The top stripe is red, and the bottom stripe is white.

  • The Gold Star: In the center of the blue stripe is a white, five-pointed star. This star symbolizes North Carolina as a member of the United States.

  • Letters "N" and "C": Surrounding the star are the gold letters "N" and "C" in a style reminiscent of the state seal.

  • The Dates: Above the star is the date “May 20th, 1775”, and below the star is the date “April 12th, 1776”. These dates are the most important symbolic elements of the flag.

• Dimensions: The official proportions of the flag are a 2:3 ratio. The vertical blue stripe should be one-third the length of the flag.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

The current flag design has an interesting and complex history, evolving from an earlier version used during a tumultuous period.

• First Flag (1861): North Carolina’s first state flag was adopted on June 22, 1861, shortly after the state seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy. This flag featured a red vertical stripe on the hoist side and two horizontal stripes, white on top and blue on the bottom. It also included the two key dates, but in a different order, along with a white star and the state motto.

• The 1885 Redesign: After the Civil War and the readmission of North Carolina into the Union, a new flag was needed to reflect the changing political landscape. On March 9, 1885, the state legislature passed a bill to adopt the current design, reversing the horizontal stripes to their present configuration (red on top, white on the bottom) and changing the overall dimensions to align with standard flag practices.

• The Importance of the Dates: The dates on the flag are of immense historical significance to North Carolina.

  • May 20th, 1775: Commemorates the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Although its authenticity has been debated by historians, it is a key part of North Carolina's heritage, representing one of the earliest declarations of independence from Great Britain.

  • April 12th, 1776: Marks the Halifax Resolves, the first official action by an American colony recommending independence from Great Britain. This is a historically verifiable event that cemented North Carolina's role as a leader in the push for American independence.

Historical Context and the State of North Carolina

The flag is more than just a piece of fabric; it's a historical document in itself. It tells the story of a state that was at the forefront of the American struggle for freedom. The twin dates proudly displayed on the flag represent a revolutionary spirit that North Carolina has always identified with. This history earned the state the moniker "First in Freedom," a title its residents hold dear. The flag’s design also links it directly to the Confederacy, but the 1885 redesign was a deliberate act to align the state's symbols more closely with the United States while still honoring its unique history.

Significance for Residents

For residents of North Carolina, the state flag is a profound source of pride. It serves as a constant reminder of the state’s legacy as a pioneer in the fight for American independence. The two dates are not merely historical footnotes; they are touchstones of local identity, connecting modern North Carolinians to the courage and foresight of their ancestors. The flag is a visual representation of the state's motto, "Esse quam videri" (To be, rather than to seem), reflecting a population that values substance and historical authenticity. The flag is a symbol of both a strong state identity and a proud place within the larger nation.

Interesting Facts

• The North Carolina flag is one of only two US state flags to feature two specific dates (the other being Maryland's flag, which has a coat of arms from two historical families).

• The letters "N" and "C" on the flag, as well as the star, are often rendered in gold, a color that symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

• The 1885 redesign of the flag was motivated by the desire to create a more modern and aesthetically pleasing design that also honored the state's heritage without being a direct copy of its Confederate-era predecessor.

• The flag is an essential element of the state's flag code, which outlines specific rules for its display, including the order of precedence when flown with other flags.

• The historical dates on the flag represent North Carolina's significant contributions to the founding of the United States, cementing its reputation as a state with a strong and independent spirit.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.