Adopted in 1885. North Carolina is one of the 13 original colonies and the 12th state, ratifying the Constitution in 1789. The current and second North Carolina state flag was adopted in 1885, with roots in an earlier version adopted in 1861 when North Carolina declared secession from the Union. The current State flag has a blue union (vertical band) on the hoist side which contains a white star in the center with a gilt N on the left and gilt C on the right, with scrolls above and below also in gold, indicating two separate dates of declarations of independence. The fly side of the flag is split horizontally and equally with a red band on top, and white band beneath. The length of the horizontal bars are equal to the perpendicular length of the blue union.