North Carolina is well known for having a distinct shade of blue associated with it. This is called North Carolina blue. But what exactly is this color and how did it come to represent the Tar Heel State? Here’s a quick look at the history and specifics of this iconic color.
North Carolina blue refers to a medium to dark shade of azure blue. It’s similar to a cyan color and brighter than a navy blue. Over the years, different variations of North Carolina blue have been used on flags, uniforms, marketing materials, and other representations of the state. However, there is no single standardized version of the color.
The connection between the color blue and North Carolina originated in the American Civil War. During this time, North Carolina provided a number of infantry regiments to support the Confederate Army. These regiments wore uniforms featuring a grayish-blue color that helped distinguished them on the battlefield. This distinctive blue shade eventually became associated with North Carolina itself.
After the war, North Carolina blue continued to be used as a symbol of state pride and identity. The first official adoption of the color came in 1945 when the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill specifying the exact shades of red and blue to be used in the North Carolina flag. Over the years, many sports teams, companies, and organizations have utilized different variations of North Carolina blue in their logos, uniforms, signs, and products to show their roots in the Tar Heel State.
Official Blue Shades for North Carolina
While North Carolina blue generally refers to a medium azure tone, there have been a few specific shades codified into state law and guidelines over the years. Here are some of the official blue colors that represent North Carolina:
North Carolina State Flag
The North Carolina state flag features a red-white-blue design with a white star representing the fact that North Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies. In 1945, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill standardizing the shades of red and blue that should be used on the state flag.
The specified blue is a medium azure blue known as “Old Glory Blue” in the color lexicon. It has the following color specifications:
– Hex Triplet: #002868
– RGB: 0, 40, 104
– CMYK: 100, 90, 40, 80
So when you see the North Carolina state flag flying, you’re looking at an official standardized blue shade chosen specifically to represent the state.
UNC Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill uses a shade of blue that is similar to the state flag blue, but slightly lighter and brighter. Known as Carolina Blue, this shade was chosen decades ago to represent UNC athletics and brand materials.
Carolina Blue has the following color specifications:
– Hex Triplet: #4B9CD3
– RGB: 75, 156, 211
– CMYK: 85, 35, 0, 0
This blue tone can be seen on the uniforms of UNC sports teams as well as university marketing materials, logos, and signs. It’s a distinctive shade tied closely to Tar Heel pride.
North Carolina Department of Transportation
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) uses its own standardized shade of North Carolina blue for signs, vehicles, equipment, and documents related to the department.
The NCDOT blue is a slightly darker azure than Carolina Blue with the following specifications:
– Hex Triplet: #004796
– RGB: 0, 71, 150
– CMYK: 100, 68, 0, 0
So if you’re driving along North Carolina highways and see maintenance trucks, road signs, or other transportation department items, you’re seeing the unique NCDOT blue. It helps identify assets and materials related to North Carolina infrastructure.
Other Variations of North Carolina Blue
Beyond these standardized official shades, you may encounter other variations of North Carolina blue used to represent state businesses, sports teams, and organizations. Here are some other blue hues with connections to the Tar Heel State:
UNC Blue (Powder Blue)
Along with Carolina Blue, UNC uses a lighter blue shade affectionately referred to as powder blue or UNC blue. It has the following color specifications:
– Hex Triplet: #7BAFD4
– RGB: 123,175,212
– CMYK: 70, 25, 0, 0
This pale blue can be seen on some UNC athletic uniforms and merchandise. It provides a lighter contrast to the darker Carolina Blue.
North Carolina Tar Heels Blue
The North Carolina Tar Heels sports teams also use their own darker blue shade dubbed Tar Heel Blue. This deep navy blue has the following specifications:
– Hex Triplet: #13294B
– RGB: 19, 41, 75
– CMYK: 100, 91, 49, 37
Tar Heel Blue is used for uniforms, coaching apparel, and merchandise related to North Carolina athletics.
North Carolina Blue (Pantone)
The Pantone Color Matching system has its own standardized North Carolina blue listed as PANTONE 3138 C. This tone has the following specs:
– Hex Triplet: #579BD9
– RGB: 87, 155, 217
– CMYK: 75, 40, 0, 0
This Pantone shade is a bright azure blue commonly used for licensed North Carolina merchandise and souvenirs.
How North Carolina Blue Differs from Other Blues
When trying to distinguish North Carolina blue from other shades of blue, there are a few key differences to note:
Carolina Blue vs. Duke Blue
– Carolina Blue is lighter and more blue than Duke Blue
– Carolina Blue has a cyan tint while Duke Blue is closer to a classic navy
– Duke Blue is PANTONE 289 C
North Carolina Blue vs. UCLA Blue
– UCLA Blue is lighter and brighter than North Carolina blue shades
– UCLA Blue has a more medium azure tone vs the deeper navy shades of NC
– UCLA Blue is PANTONE PMS 289
North Carolina State Blue vs. North Carolina Blue
– North Carolina State (NC State) blue is a deep red-based purple
– NC State Blue is PANTONE 289C
– NC Blue shades are all azure based blues
So while North Carolina blue has some similarities to other shades, it can be differentiated by its medium-to-deep azure tone and its distinctive ties to North Carolina sports, culture, and symbols. The cyan tint helps set it apart from classic navy blues used by other organizations.
Conclusion
While there is some variation between different blue shades used to represent the state, North Carolina blue essentially comes down to a medium to deep azure blue tone. It’s similar to a cyan color but unique in its link to North Carolina state history, culture, and pride. Whether it’s the regulated blue on the state flag, the powder blue of UNC uniforms, or the dark navy of Tar Heel team apparel, these blue hues symbolize the spirit and heritage of North Carolina. So the next time you see that distinctive blue, you can reflect on the history it represents.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key facts about North Carolina blue:
– North Carolina blue refers to medium to deep azure blue shades associated with the state.
– The first official NC blue was codified in 1945 for the state flag (“Old Glory Blue”).
– Other standardized blues include UNC’s Carolina Blue and lighter powder blue.
– Variations of NC blue are used by sports teams, government agencies, and companies.
– NC blue differs from similar shades like Duke blue with its cyan undertones.
– The Tar Heel State’s blue hues symbolize history, pride, and culture for North Carolinians.
