Shortly after America’s independence in 1776, states like Oklahoma began to adopt their own official state seal, motto, nickname, and more, which have all been used to symbolize and represent the uniqueness of each state and what they stand for.
What does the great state seal of Oklahoma represent?
The seal of Oklahoma is peppered with many symbols that represent the rich history of the state. The seal itself features a 5-pointed star, and in the center of the star is the official state motto: “Labor Omnia Vincit”, which translates to “Work Conquers All”.
Columbia, which is a symbol of justice is standing between a pioneer and a Native American clasping hands. The scene depicted here can also be found on the great seal of the territory of Oklahoma which was the official seal before Oklahoma became a state.
State Seal of Oklahoma
In the middle of the seal you can see a larger, central star. This central star contains rays which are the official seals of the 5 civilized Indian Nations that inhabited the majority of Eastern Oklahoma.
The top ray showcases the seal of the Chickasaw Nation, showing an Indian warrior clutching hold of a bow and a shield. The top-left ray displays the famous seal of the Cherokee Nation, which is a 7-pointed star bearing oak leaves.
The top-right ray shows the emblem of the Choctaw Nation, displaying a tomahaw, a bow, and three arrows. The Creek Nation’s seal appears on the lower left ray, displaying a sheaf of wheat and a plow. And finally, the lower right ray represents the seal of the Seminole Nation, houses and a factory on the shore of a lake with an Indian hunter using a canoe as transport.
There are 45 other smaller stars that surround the central one, these stars symbolize the other 45 states that made up the official Union at the time Oklahoma was granted statehood, back in 1907.
Most states will have their seals showcase a relevant story, that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Sooner State puts its history and what it stands for across very well in its state seal. The Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma is a vivid symbol of all that embodies the state!
