The official state seal is an important symbol of each of the fifty states of the United States. Each state has a unique seal that represents its history, culture, and values. The state seal is used on official documents, government buildings, and other important items. Let’s take a closer look at the official state seal wooden plaques of the fifty states of the United States.
Alabama’s state seal features an eagle holding a banner that reads “Here We Rest.” The eagle is perched on a shield that depicts the emblems of the five nations that have governed Alabama: Spain, France, Great Britain, the Confederacy, and the United States.
Alaska’s state seal shows a rising sun shining on a mountain range and a body of water. In the foreground, a farmer is seen sowing seeds and a fisherman is fishing in the water. Above the mountain range is the Big Dipper constellation, which is also featured on the state flag.
Arizona’s state seal has a central star with a blue background, surrounded by a ring of yellow and red rays. The star represents copper, the state’s most important mineral resource, while the rays symbolize the state’s sunny climate.
Arkansas’s state seal features a bald eagle holding a scroll in its beak that reads “Regnat Populus,” which means “the people rule.” The eagle is surrounded by a border of white stars, representing the United States.
California’s state seal has a central image of a grizzly bear, which is now extinct in the state, but was once a prominent symbol of California. The bear is surrounded by a border of red and gold and the words “Eureka” and “California” are written in Greek and Latin.
Colorado’s state seal shows a golden disk with a central image of the mountains, a river, and a blue sky. The seal also features a miner with a pickaxe and a shovel, and a farmer holding a plow, representing the state’s rich natural resources and agricultural heritage.
Connecticut’s state seal depicts three grapevines, which symbolize the state’s early agricultural industry. The vines are surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves, representing strength and endurance.
Delaware’s state seal features a central image of a ship, which represents the state’s early history as a major shipping center. The ship is surrounded by a border of yellow and the words “Great Seal of the State of Delaware” are written around the edge.
Florida’s state seal has a central image of a Seminole Indian woman, surrounded by a border of gold, with a steamboat in the background. The seal also features a sabal palm tree and a cocoa palm tree, which are native to the state.
Georgia’s state seal depicts the state’s coat of arms, which features three pillars representing the state’s three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. The seal also includes the words “Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation,” which are the state’s official motto.
Hawaii’s state seal features an image of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom in the late 18th century. The seal also includes the state motto “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono,” which means “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.”
Idaho’s state seal depicts a miner and a woman representing agriculture, standing on either side of a shield with a blue background. The shield features a representation of a rocky mountain and a waterfall, as well as a banner reading “Esto perpetua,” which means “Let it be perpetual.”
Illinois’s state seal features a bald eagle perched on a rock with a banner in its beak that reads “State Sovereignty, National Union.” The eagle is surrounded by a ring of stars, representing the original thirteen colonies, and a ribbon with the state motto “State Sovereignty, National Union.” The seal also includes an image of the state capitol building, a cornucopia, and the year of statehood, 1818.