Each of the 50 US states has an official state seal that represents its history and ideals, and functions as a designation for legal or government documents. Seals often incorporate important historical dates, state nicknames, and mottos. The state seal is also used as part of the state flag, which is designed around its existing elements.
In the United States, each of the 50 states has an official state seal that serves both an emblematic and a functional purpose. The seal of a state is representative of its history, origins and ideals. It also functions as a designation that a legal or government document was created or sanctioned under state authority. The seals often serve as part of the letterhead of government leaders and agencies, and appear on law books, courtrooms, and entrances to government buildings.
After the original 13 states declared their independence from England, each created its own state seal. Those from other states were created the moment they joined the union. Many seals are engraved with important historical dates, such as admission to the union or the date of formal declaration of independence. The state of Delaware, for example, was the first state to ratify the new US Constitution and that date is commemorated on the Great Seal of the State of Delaware.
Early in American history, many states earned nicknames for their contributions to the new country. Often these nicknames are incorporated into the state seal. The State of Tennessee is known as “The Volunteer State” because of the many Tennesseeans who volunteered to fight in the War of 1812. Delaware is “The First State,” because of its historic action under the Constitution. Members of his cabinet are still the first to attend important US functions such as presidential inaugurations.
Each of the US states has a state motto that captures the spirit or character of the state or expresses its political beliefs. These mottos are also incorporated into each state’s seal. Vermont’s state motto, for example, is “Liberty and Unity.” New Hampshire’s motto declares “Don’t tread on me.” In the state of Arkansas, “Regnat Populus”, The People Rule.
Another major use of the state seal is as part of a state’s flag. Historically, a state seal was created before the adoption of its state flag. This was largely a practical consideration, as the seal was required to validate any government documents and identify government buildings and officials. Since the seal already contained important historical and cultural information about the state, it made sense that it would serve as a centerpiece for the state flag. Almost all state flags have been designed around the existing seal of the state or have incorporated most of its elements.
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