Some years after the U.S. declared its official independence, many things began to change, and a new historical chapter started to commence.
In June 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. These, as well as a whole host of California state symbols that have been adopted by the state are all used to symbolize and represent the uniqueness of each state that resides within the nation.
So, what does the Great State Seal of California represent? The current California state seal was authorized and adopted by the Constitutional Convention of 1849. This was around the exact same time the state of California was granted its statehood.
The Great Seal of California has 31 stars on the top of the picture that is being portrayed, in almost a semi-circle format. These stars represent the number of states that were in existence before California’s admission to the United States back in 1850.
The Great Seal of the State of California
The famous California state seal also includes a grizzly bear feeding on a grape vine next to a sheaf of grain. The scene that has been created on the seal represents the plethora of incredible wildlife that is at California’s doorstep, with the addition of the state’s huge agricultural significance too, highlighting the wine production industry in particular, which has helped build the state’s collossal economy.
Grizzly Bears in particular have a huge significance within the state, being the official state animal and appearing on the state flag for a number of years. The Sacramento River, which resides below the Sierra Nevada Mountains has an abundance of boats sailing in it and a miner working on the shore, the boats display the state’s commercial traffic.
The phrase “Eureka”, which is a Greek word that translates to “I have found it” refers to the discovery of gold, which is also seen in the state’s motto. California’s “gold rush” was giant in the state’s huge economic success and was a building block for California’s popularity today. Most states will have their seals showcase a relevant story, that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Golden State is certainly no different.
