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.
Shortly after America’s independence in 1776, states like Ohio 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 and what they stand for.
So, what does the Ohio state seal represent? The Great Seal of the state of Ohio that we see today was officially adopted in 1967, however, the original version of the seal was created over 200 years ago. The seal has had many revisions over the past several years, with the most recent happening in 1996.
The Great Seal of the State of Ohio
The most recent version of the state seal dipicts a scene that is displayed by the Scioto river flowing between cultivated fields, with Mount Logan in the background. The sun is rising in-between the mountains with 13 rays shooting out of it. The sunrays respresent the original thirteen colonies that made up the nation.
The sheaf of wheat that stands before the mountain ranges are symbolizing the rich history of agriculture within the state that dates back hundereds of years. Next to the wheat sheaf is a bundle of 17 arrows, these arrows are to pay homage to the state’s Native American inhabitants, and it is also to respect Ohio becoming the 17th official state to enter the Union.
Most states will have their seals showcase a relevant story, that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Buckeye State is certainly no different.
The U.S. State Seal
The official seal of the United States is different than the Ohio state seal and it 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.
