State Symbol session laws
The following session laws are those that created state symbols prior to 1983. Session laws that created symbols after 1983 are available on the N.C. General Assembly website (http://www.ncleg.net).
Symbols are in alphabetical order. The year in brackets preceding the session law is the year in which the session law passed. H.B. or S.B. denotes the House or Senate Bill number that was used when the bill was first introduced.
CHAPTER 26
AN ACT ESTABLISHING "THE OLD NORTH STATE" AS THE STATE'S OFFICIAL SONG FOR NORTH CAROLINA.
WHEREAS, the last State convention of the North Carolina Daughters of the Conferacy appointed a committee to investigate the advisability of adoptiong "the Old North State," as the State's official song; and
WHEREAS, the said committee of the North Carolina Division of the United Daughters of the Conferacy has requested the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, by appropriate legislation, to adopt said song written by Hon. William Gaston as the State's official song: Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section I. That the song known as "The Old North State," as hereinafter written is hereby dapoted and declared to be the official son of the State of North Carolina, said song being in words as follows:
"Carolina! Carolina! heaven's blessings attend her,
While we live we will cherish, protect and defend her,
Tho' the scorner may sneer at and witlings defame her,
Still our hearts swell with gladness whenever we name her.
Hurrah! Hurrah! the Old North State forever,
Hurrah! Hurrah! the good Old North State.
Tho' she envies not others, their merited glory,
Say whose name stands the foremost, in liberty's story,
Tho' too true to herself e'er to crouch to oppression,
Who can yield to just rule a 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!"
Sec. 2. That all laws and clauses of laws in conflict with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 3. That this act shall be in force and effect from and after its ratification
Ratified this the 18th day of February, A. D. 1927.
S. B. 151 CHAPTER 595
AN ACT FOR THE ADOPTION OF A STATE BIRD.
WHEREAS, North Carolina and Connecticut are the only states in the Union that have not adopted an official state bird; and
WHEREAS, there is a wide-spread movement now on foot among the Bird Clubs, Garden Clubs, and many of the schools of the State, together with a large number of individuals, looking to the adoption of a state bird by the present Legislature, to which end the North Carolina Bird Club has, so far as it has been in its power, canvassed the State for votes on the selection of a suitable representative bird to be officially adopted; and
WHEREAS, the Cardinal has received a decidedly larger number of votes than any other species: Now, therefore:
The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section 1. That the Cardinal shall be, and hereby is declared to be the official State Bird of North Carolina.
Sec. 2. All laws and clauses of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 3. This Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its ratification.
Ratified this the 8th day of March, 1943.
H. B. 820 CHAPTER 878
AN ACT TO ADOPT OFFICIAL STATE COLORS FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
WHEREAS, North Carolina is one of only a few states that has not adopted official state colors; and
WHEREAS, there is widespread sentiment among the school children of the State and its citizens generally looking to the adoption of suitable and appropriate colors as official colors for the State: Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section 1. That red and blue, of shades as adopted and appearing in the North Carolina State flag and the American flag, shall be, and hereby are, declared to be the official State colors for the State of North Carolina.
Sec. 2. That the use of such official State colors on ribbons attached to State documents with the Great Seal and/or seals of State Departments is permissive and discretionary but not directoratory.
Sec. 3. That all laws and clauses of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 4. That this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its ratification.
Ratified this the 19th day of March, 1945.
H. B. 609 CHAPTER 289
AN ACT TO ADOPT AN OFFICIAL STATE FLOWER FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
WHEREAS, the Dogwood is a radiantly beautiful flower which grows abundantly in all parts of this State; and
WHEREAS, there is a great demand from all parts of the State that this Legislature adopt an official flower:
Now, therefore, The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section 1. That the Dogwood be, and it is hereby, adopted as the official flower of the State of North Carolina.
Sec. 2. That all laws and clauses of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 3. That this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 15th day of March, 1941.
S. B. 14 CHAPTER 55
AN ACT TO DESIGNATE THE HONEYBEE AS THE INSECT OF THE STATE.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1. Chapter 145 of the North Carolina General Statutes is amended by adding a new section, as follows:
"The honeybee is hereby adopted as the official State insect of the State of North Carolina."
Sec. 2. This act shall be effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 5th day of March, 1973.
H. B. 1268 CHAPTER 1207
AN ACT TO ADOPT AN OFFICIAL STATE MAMMAL FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section 1. The Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is hereby adopted as the official State mammal of the State of North Carolina.
Sec. 2. All laws and clauses of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 3. This Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 1st day of July, 1969.
CHAPTER 145
AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A STATE MOTTO
WHEREAS. Contrary to the usage of nearly all the states of the American Union the coat-of-arms and the great seal of this state bear no motto; and whereas, a suitable motto, expressive of some noble sentiment and indicative of some leading trait of our people, will be instructive as well as ornamental, and the state should also keep in perpetual remembrance the immortal declaration of independence made at Charlotte; now therefore,
The Geneeral Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section 1. That the words "esse quam videri" are hereby adopted as the motto of this state, and as such shall be engraved on the great seal of North Carolina and likewise at the foot of the coat-of-arms of the state as part thereof.
Sec. 2. That on the coat-of-arms, in addition to the motto at the bottom, there shall be inscribed at the top the words "May the 20th, 1775."
Sec. 3.That this act shall be in force from and after its ratification.
Ratified the 21st day of February, A.D. 1893.
H. B. 82 CHAPTER 136
AN ACT TO DESIGNATE THE EMERALD THE PRECIOUS STONE OF THE STATE.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1. Chapter 145 of the North Carolina General Statutes is amended by adding the following section thereto:
"§ 145-8. The Emerald is hereby adopted as the official State precious stone of the State of North Carolina."
Sec. 2. This act shall become effective upon the opening of the National Gem Show in Charlotte June 28, 1973.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 5th day of April, 1973.
H. B. 384 CHAPTER 154
AN ACT TO ADOPT THE TURTLE AS THE OFFICIAL STATE REPTILE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
WHEREAS, the turtle is a most useful creature who serves to control harmful and pestiferous insects, and acts as one of nature's clean-up crew, helping to preserve the purity and beauty of our waters; and
WHEREAS, the turtle is derided by some who have missed the finer things of life, but in some species has provided food that is a gourmet's delight; and
WHEREAS, the turtle, which at a superficial glance appears to be a mundane and uninteresting creature, is actually a most fascinating creature, ranging from species well adapted to modern conditions to species which have existed virtually unchanged since prehistoric times; and
WHEREAS, the turtle watches undisturbed as countless generations of faster hares run by to quick oblivion, and is thus a model of patience for mankind, and a symbol of this State's unrelenting pursuit of great and lofty goals; and
WHEREAS, the woodlands, marshes, and inland and coastal waters of North Carolina are the abode of many species of turtles; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1. G.S. Chapter 145 is amended by adding a new section as follows:
"§ 145-9. State reptile.— The turtle is adopted as the official State reptile of the State of North Carolina, and the eastern box turtle is designated as the emblem representing the turtles inhabiting North Carolina."
Sec. 2. G.S. Chapter 145 is further amended by rewriting the caption of the Chapter to read:
"State Flower, Bird, Tree, Shell, Mammal, Fish, Insect, Stone and Reptile."
Sec. 3. This act is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 19th day of March. 1979.
S. B. 840 CHAPTER 906
AN ACT TO ADOPT GRANITE AS THE OFFICIAL ROCK FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina has been blessed with an abundant source of the noble rock, granite; and
WHEREAS, the granite quarry located in Mount Airy in Surry County is the largest open face granite quarry in the world measuring a mile long and 1,800 feet in width; and
WHEREAS, the granite from the Mount Airy quarry is unblemished, gleaming and without interfering seams to mar its splendor; and
WHEREAS, the high quality of North Carolina granite allows its widespread use as a building material, and for industrial purposes as well as providing super smooth laboratory plates; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina granite has been used for magnificent government edifices throughout the United States such as the Wright Brothers Memorial at Kitty Hawk, the gold depository at Fort Knox, the Arlington Memorial Bridge and numerous courthouses throughout the land; and
WHEREAS, granite is a symbol of strength and steadfastness, qualities characteristic of North Carolinians; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and just that the State of North Carolina recognize the contribution of granite in providing employment to its citizens and enhancing the beauty of its public buildings, and so that this noble rock should not be taken for granted; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1. G.S. 145 is amended by adding a new section to read as follows:
"§ 145-10. State rock.—Granite is adopted as the official State rock of the State of North Carolina."
Sec. 2. G.S. 145 is further amended by rewriting the caption of the Chapter to read:
"State Flower, Bird, Tree, Shell, Mammal, Fish, Insect, Stone, Reptile and Rock."
Sec. 3. This act is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 8th day of June, 1979.
H. B. 655 CHAPTER 274
AN ACT DESIGNATING THE CHANNEL BASS (RED DRUM) AS THE OFFICIAL STATE SALT WATER FISH.
The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section 1. Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is hereby amended by adding a new section at the end thereof, to be designated as G.S. 145-6, and to read as follows:
"§ 145-6. Official State salt water fish .—The Channel Bass (Red Drum) is hereby adopted as the official State salt water fish of the State of North Carolina."
Sec. 2. This act shall become effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 30th day of April, 1971.
[ACTS FOR THE STATE SEAL]
CHAPTER 270
Sec. 35. The Governor shall procure for the State a seal, which shall be called the great seal of the State of North Carolina, to be used for attesting and authenticating grants, proclamations, commissions and other public acts, in such manner as may he directed by law, and the usage established in the public offices ; also a seal for every Court of Record of the State, for the purpose of authenticating the papers and records of such Court.
CHAPTER 392
AN ACT CONCERNING THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE.
The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact :
Section 1. That the great seal of the state of North Carolina shall be two and one quarter inches in diameter, and its design shall be a representation of the figures of Liberty and Plenty, looking toward each other but not more than half fronting each other and otherwise disposed as follows: Liberty, the first figure, standing, her pole with cap on it in her left hand and a scroll with the word " constitution " inscribed thereon in her right hand. Plenty, the second figure, sitting down, her right arm half extended toward Liberty, three heads of wheat in her right hand, and in her left the small end of her horn, the mouth of which is resting at her feet and the contents of the horn rolling out.
Sec. 2. That it shall be the duty of the governor to file in the office of secretary of state an impression of thegreat seal, certified to under his hand and attested by the secretary of state, which impression so certified, the secretary of state shall cause to be bound up with this statute among the manuscript statutes of this general assembly.
Sec. 3. That this act shall take effect from and after its ratification.
In the general assembly read three times, and ratified this the 12th day of March, A. D. 1883.
H. B. 115 CHAPTER 167
AN ACT TO PROVIDE A STANDARD FOR THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section 1. G. S. 147-26 is hereby amended by adding before the last sentence a new paragraph so that G.S. 147-26 shall read as follows:
"§147-26. To procure great seal of State; its description.-The Governor shall procure for the State a seal, which shall be called the great seal of the State of North Carolina, and shall be two and one-quarter inches in diameter, and its design shall be a representation of the figures of Liberty and Plenty, looking toward each other, but not more than half-fronting each other and otherwise disposed as follows: Liberty, the first figure, standing, her pole with cap on it in her left hand and e scroll with the word 'Constitution' inscribed thereon in her right hand. Plenty, the second figure, sitting down, her right arm half extended towards Liberty, three heads of grain in her right hand, and in her left, the small end of her horn, the mouth of which is resting at her feet, and the contents of the horn rolling out.
The background on the seal shall contain a depiction of mountains running from left to right to the middle of the seal and an ocean running from right to left to the middle of the seal. A side view of a three-masted ship shall be located on the ocean and to the right of Plenty. The date 'May 20, 1775' shall appear within the seal and across the top of the seal and the words 'esse quam videri' shall appear at the bottom around the perimeter. The words THE GREAT SEAL of the STATE of NORTH CAROLINA' shall appear around the perimeter. No other words, figures or other embellishments shall appear on the seal.
It shall be the duty of the Governor to file in the office of Secretary of State an impression of the great seal, certified to under his hand and attested by the Secretary of State, which impression so certified the Secretary of State shall carefully preserve among the records of his office."
Sec. 1.1. This act shall not invalidate any Seal presently on display or heretofore used.
Sec. 2. This act shall become effective January 1, 1972.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 8th day of April, 1971.
H.B. 602 CHAPTER 681
AN ACT TO ADOPT AN OFFICIAL STATE SHELL FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
WHEREAS, the sea shell known commonly as the Scotch Bonnet (Phalium granulatum, Born) is found along most parts of the North Carolina Coast; and
WHEREAS, the shell is large and distinctive in its china white to creamy appearance with spiral bands broken into a series of squares of yellow to brown; and
WHEREAS, this handsome shell pays tribute to the Scot forebears who settled in this State, as well as to North Carolina's thriving shellfish industry; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Shell Club, representing over 200 members from all parts of the State, voted to recommend the Scotch Bonnet shell for the State shell: Now, therefore:
The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section 1. The Scotch Bonnet is hereby adopted as the official State shell of the State of North Carolina.
Sec. 2. All laws and clauses of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 3. This Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 25th day of May, 1965.
CHAPTER LXVII
AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE WILMINGTON THALEAN ASSOCIATION
Be it enacted, &c. That the individuals who are now Associated in the town of Wilmington, for the purpose of aiding an institution of learning and the general promotion of literature, under the name of the "Thalean Association," and those who hereafter may become Members of the said Association agreeably to the rules which may be therein established, be, and the same are hereby incorporated into a body corporate and politic, by the name of the Thalean Association; and as such shall have perpetual succession, may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, be capable of acquiring, holding and transferring real or personal estate, to make and ordain laws and regulations for their own government, and to elect their own officers, and generally to do, receive and perform all such matters and things, as rightfully belong and usually incident to bodies corporate and politic, within this State--any law, usage or custom, to the contrary notwithstanding.
S. B. 305 CHAPTER 777
AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN OFFICIAL TOAST TO THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
WHEREAS, in 1927 by the enactment of Chapter 26 of the Public Laws of that year, "The Old North State" was established as the State's official song; and
WHEREAS, the song "A Toast", was written by Leonora Martin and Mary Burke Kerr as a toast to the Old North State, and dedicated it to the children of North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed appropriate at this time that this song be adopted as the official toast to North Carolina: Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section 1. The song referred to above as "A Toast" to North Carolina is hereby adopted and delcared to be the official toast to the State of North Carolina, said toast being in words as follows:
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!
Sec. 2. All laws and clauses of laws in conflice with this Act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 3. This Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 21st day of May, 1957.
H. B. 10 CHAPTER 41
AN ACT TO ADOPT AN OFFICIAL STATE TREE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
WHEREAS, the Pine is prevalent, in one of its eight species, in all parts of this State, and is truly representative of the State's historic dependence upon and concern for its timber and forest resources; and
WHEREAS, there is great demand from all parts of the State that this Legislature adopt an official State tree; and
WHEREAS, the Garden Clubs of North Carolina have conducted a State-wide survey for preference for a State tree, and the Pine was selected by a decided majority of the votes; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:
Section 1. The Pine is hereby adopted as the official State tree of the State of North Carolina.
Sec. 2. All laws and clauses of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 3. This Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 12th day of March, 1963.