Shortly after America’s independence in 1776, states like South Dakota started to adopt their own official state seal, motto, nickname, and more, which are all used to symbolize and represent the uniqueness of each state and what they stand for.
What does the South Dakota state seal represent?
The symbols that appear on the South Dakota state seal represent the state’s deep-seated history, commerce, industry, and abundance of natural resources, all of which played an integral role in forming the incredible state we know today.
Great Seal of The State of South Dakota Features
The outer circle that features on the state seal displays the words “State of South Dakota”, “Great Seal”, and also “1889”. 1889 was the year when South Dakota became an official state, joining the union. The state seal design can also be found on the official state flag.
South Dakota’s official state motto “Under God the People Rule” can be seen at the very top of the inner circle. The inner circle features sky and hills in the background, and a steam ship navigating a river that has agricultural and industrial land on either side. The river is actually the Missouri River, which runs through the center of the state.
Most states will have their seals showcase a relevant story, that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Mount Rushmore State puts its history and what it stands for across very well in its state seal.
