Years after the U.S. declared its official independence, many things began to change, and a new historical chapter started to commence in the United States.
On June 20, 1782 the nation’s state seal was initially created, and officially adopted by the Continental Congress of America. The Great Seal of the United States was used (and still is used) as the symbol of sovereignty as a nation.
Shortly after this, states began to adopt their own official state seals, mottos, nicknames, and much more, which are all used to symbolize and represent the uniqueness of each U.S. state.
What is the state seal meaning? The great seal of Alabama was originally designed in 1817, by the first-ever governor of the Alabama Territory, William Wyatt Bibb. The seal itself displays the major rivers that run through the state, and that have played a significant role in the history of Alabama over the years.
Great Seal of Alabama
Alabama’s seal design is a map of the Alabama territory, and its surrounding territories, which are all now states. Alabama was first granted statehood in 1819 and the official state seal design remains unchanged today, unlike many other U.S. states.
During the civil war of 1868 a new state seal of Alabama was created, sporting an eagle which is standing on the American shield clutching a banner in its beak which reads “Here We Rest”. The seal was used on a temporary basis for official documents and letterheads from 1868 to 1939. To the delight of many Alabamans, the seal was restored to its original design in 1939 and has remained untouched ever since.
Most states will have their seals showcase a relevant story that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Yellowhammer State is certainly no different.
