The United States is a country that consists of 50 states. Each of these states has its unique history and culture, which is often reflected in their state seals. State seal wooden plaques serve as an emblem of the state’s sovereignty and are often used on official documents, government buildings, and flags. In this article, we will discuss the origin of the state seals of each of the 50 states.
Alabama: The state seal of Alabama was designed in 1817 by William Wyatt Bibb, the first governor of Alabama. It features the Goddess of Liberty holding a sword and a shield with a bald eagle above her.
Alaska: The state seal of Alaska was designed in 1910 by a gold prospector named Benny Benson. It features an Alaskan brown bear with the words “North to the Future” above it.
Arizona: The state seal of Arizona was designed in 1911 by Phoenix newspaper artist E.E. Motter. It features a five-pointed star with a copper-colored band surrounding it, representing the state’s mining industry.
Arkansas: The state seal of Arkansas was designed in 1864 by a committee of the state legislature. It features a bald eagle holding a banner with the state motto “Regnat Populus” (The People Rule) on it.
California: The state seal of California was designed in 1849 by Robert S. Garnett, a U.S. Army officer. It features a grizzly bear and a star with the words “California Republic” above it.
Colorado: The state seal of Colorado was designed in 1876 by a committee of the state legislature. It features a miner, a farmer, and a shield with the mountains and a rising sun above them.
Connecticut: The state seal of Connecticut was designed in 1639 by a committee of the General Assembly. It features three grapevines, representing the state’s agricultural industry.
Delaware: The state seal of Delaware was designed in 1777 by the Continental Congress. It features a shield with a farmer and a soldier, and a banner with the state motto “Liberty and Independence” on it.
Florida: The state seal of Florida was designed in 1868 by a committee of the state legislature. It features a Native American woman holding a palm frond and a sword, with a steamboat and a sailing ship in the background.
Georgia: The state seal of Georgia was designed in 1799 by the state legislature. It features three pillars with the words “Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation” on them, and a banner with the state motto “In God We Trust” on it.
Hawaii: The state seal of Hawaii was designed in 1959 by a committee of the state legislature. It features King Kamehameha I with the words “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono” (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness) above him.
Idaho: The state seal of Idaho was designed in 1891 by a committee of the state legislature. It features a miner and a woman with a shield in the background.
Illinois: The state seal of Illinois was designed in 1819 by Sharon Tyndale. It features a bald eagle holding a banner with the state motto “State Sovereignty, National Union” on it.
Indiana: The state seal of Indiana was designed in 1801 by a committee of the state legislature. It features a sun rising over a forest with a buffalo, a cabin, and a farmer in the foreground.
Iowa: The state seal of Iowa was designed in 1847 by a committee of the state legislature. It features a bald eagle holding a banner with the state motto “Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain”.
Other states have their state seals and their own cultural history and significance. State seal wooden plaques offer an excellent way to showcase pride in offices and departments.