On June 20, 1782, the nation’s state seal was finally approved by the Continental Congress, after a committee was first created to design the seal on July 4, 1776. Nearly six years and four designs later, the U.S. seal uses an eagle that holds a scroll in its beak with the E Pluribus Unum motto; in one claw is an olive branch, a symbol of peace, and the other claw holds thirteen arrows, a symbol of war. The seal is used on many official documents.
Shortly after 1776, states like Kentucky 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 state that resides within the nation.
As far as state seals go, Kentucky’s is one of the more basic, without a huge deal going on. However, it is perhaps one of the most significant due to this very reason!
Kentucky State Seal Meaning
The state seal was officially adopted in 1792, with the seal highlighting the state motto, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”, this motto is famous for an abundance of different reasons, originating from a famous song named “Liberty Song”. Kentucky’s state seal can also be found on the official state flag of Kentucky too, which really does demonstrate the significance of it.
When it comes to the meaning of the Kentucky state seal there are two gentlemen on the state seal, this quote was released from “The Kentucky State Seal” by Ron Bryant – “In 1962, the General Assembly passed an act making the seal of Kentucky depict a frontiersman clasping the shoulder and shaking the hand of a statesman. The frontiersman represents the spirit of Kentucky frontier settlers. The statesman represents the Kentuckians who served their state and nation in the halls of government.”
When the original act to create the famous Kentucky seal was approved by the General Assembly in 1792, it was described as “two friends embracing”. Since then, there have been many variations of the two figures, which display different forms of embracing and handshaking, both wearing a variety of different clothes, hats, and more!
Most states will have their seals showcase a relevant story, that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Bluegrass State is certainly no different.
