North Carolina designated the marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum) as the official state salamander in 2013. A striking amphibian with a unique color pattern, the marbled salamander can be found throughout North Carolina. Raleigh teenager Rachel Hopkins led the effort to designate the marbled salamander and the Pine Barrens treefrog as state symbols in order to raise awareness of the importance of amphibian conservation.
North Carolina designated the Pine Barrens treefrog (Hyla andersonii) as the official state frog of North Carolina in 2013. The rare Pine Barrens treefrog can be found in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain regions of North Carolina. Raleigh teenager Rachel Hopkins led the effort to designate the marbled Salamander and the Pine Barrens treefrog as state symbols in order to raise awareness of the importance of amphibian conservation.
North Carolina designated stock car racing as the official state sport in 2011. Stock car racing has played a significant role in the history, heritage, and culture of North Carolina. North Carolina is the home of the stock car racing NASCAR Hall of Fame and the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame. Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts three stock car races annually in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series (the most in-season Sprint Cup events held at a single motorsports facility in the United States), and Charlotte Motor Speedway attracts more than one million visitors annually.
The state flag of South Carolina was adopted on January 28, 1861. The crescent symbol represents the silver emblem worn on the caps of South Carolina troops during the revolutionary war, and the background color matches the blue of their uniforms. Crescents were also a component of a banner carried by South Carolina protesters of the Stamp Act in 1776.
South Carolina designated the boykin spaniel as official state dog in 1985. Known for their mild temperament and highly regarded as pets or hunting dogs, the boykin spaniel was originally bred for South Carolina hunters by South Carolinians. Many states have dogs (and a few cats) as state symbols (both Colorado and Tennessee recognized adopted shelter and rescue cats and dogs as official state pets).
The spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) was designated the official state amphibian of South Carolina in 1999 after a campaign by the third grade class at Woodlands Heights Elementary School in Spartanburg. The spotted salamander is also a state symbol of Ohio (all state amphibians).
South Carolina designated the Carolina wren as the official state bird in 1948. Found throughout the state, the Carolina wren is also featured on the South Carolina quarter. All State Birds
South Carolina designated English as the official state language in 1987. English is the primary language of the United States, and is also the country with the highest number of native English speakers.
In March of 1776, the provincial congress of South Carolina set up independent government and elected John Rutledge as President. President Rutledge and his privy council were authorized to create a great seal for South Carolina. With the help of designers William Henry Drayton and Arthur Middleton, President Rutledge was able to use the seal for the first time in May of 1777.
South Carolina has two state mottos that can be seen on the state seal. The seal displays two ovals linked by branches of the palmetto tree. South Carolina's two Latin mottos surround the two ovals. On the left is "Animis Opibusque Parati" (Prepared in Mind and Resources). On the right is the more well-known motto "Dum Spiro Spero" (While I Breathe I Hope).