The State Flag of North Carolina features a design that includes two horizontal stripes of blue and red, with a white rectangle in the center. Inside the rectangle, there are two dates: 1775, representing the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, and 1861, marking the beginning of the Civil War in North Carolina. The flag also displays a gold ribbon that wraps around the dates. The flag's blue field symbolizes loyalty, while the red represents bravery. The North Carolina state flag was officially adopted in 1885, although its design has roots dating back to the American Revolution. It serves as a symbol of the state's history and heritage.