A blue vertical band with white star and letters “N C,” beside red-over-white horizontal bars. Two golden scrolls show dates: the 1775 Mecklenburg Declaration and the 1776 Halifax Resolves, early steps toward independence. The flag weds state pride to revolutionary fervour.
Vertical blue bar with white star and letters ‘N’ and ‘C’; horizontal red and white bars.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Legislative adoption
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- None listed
- Design type
- State seal on blue field with vertical hoist stripe
- Complexity
- 8/10
- Readability
- 4/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Red And White Bars
Courage and purity.
Blue Union
Represents vigilance and perseverance.
Dates
May 20, 1775 (Mecklenburg Declaration) and April 12, 1776 (Halifax Resolves).
Design Breakdown
The North Carolina flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: Vertical blue bar with white star and letters ‘N’ and ‘C’; horizontal red and white bars.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Only state flag displaying two Revolutionary-era dates
- One of few flags with a vertical stripe at the hoist
- Strong emphasis on early independence claims
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Strong Revolutionary War symbolism
- Distinctive vertical hoist stripe
- Clear expression of state ideals
Common criticism
- Includes text and multiple dates
- Highly detailed seal
- Low visibility at distance
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove text and dates
- Simplify the seal imagery
- Adopt a non-seal-based design
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the North Carolina state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain importance of Mecklenburg Declaration and Halifax Resolves.
- Identify symbolic meaning of colors.
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
State Seal
The North Carolina state seal placed at the center of a blue field.
Attributes: Two female figures, Liberty and Plenty, Dates May 20, 1775 and April 12, 1776, State motto
Meaning: Liberty, abundance, and North Carolina’s early role in American independence
Figures
Two allegorical female figures representing Liberty and Plenty.
Attributes: Liberty with scroll, Plenty with cornucopia
Meaning: Political freedom balanced with agricultural prosperity
Dates
Two dates displayed on scrolls: May 20, 1775 and April 12, 1776.
Attributes: Historical dates
Meaning: The Mecklenburg Declaration and Halifax Resolves asserting early independence
Motto
The state motto 'Esse Quam Videri' displayed on the seal.
Attributes: Latin text
Meaning: To be, rather than to seem, emphasizing integrity and authenticity
Historical Timeline
Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
Current flag design adopted.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State seal on blue field with vertical hoist stripe
Complexity: 8/10
Readability: 4/10
Fascinating Facts
Dates on the flag commemorate North Carolina’s independence movements.
One of the few state flags with multiple historical dates displayed.
The dates mark the Mecklenburg Declaration and the Halifax Resolves.
The letters ‘N’ and ‘C’ flank the central star.
The lone star symbolizes unity and statehood.
Red, white, and blue reflect national colors.
The flag is divided into vertical and horizontal sections.
The current design was officially adopted in 1885.
State Information
- Population
- 10,439,388
- Area
- 53,819
- Founded
- 21 Nov 1789
- Region
- Southeast
