Shortly after 1776, states 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 U.S. state.
So, what is the official state seal of Michigan? The official seal of Michigan features the state’s coat of arms, which also appears on both sides of the state flag. The state seal was officially adopted on June 2, 1835, 2 years before Michigan became an official state. Here is a downloadable version of Michigan’s state seal.
What Does The State Seal Of Michigan Mean?
The Michigan.gov website has stated that “Michigan’s Coat of Arms was inspired by the 17th Century coat of arms of the Hudson’s Bay Company, one of the earliest and largest fur-trading companies in North America.”
Additionally, the Moose and Elk represent Michigan as they are both native to the state, and the Bald Eagle is featured to represent the United States. There are also some Latin phrases that appear on the state seal: “Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam, Circumspice” is Michigan’s state motto that means “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you”. “E Pluribus Unum”, which means “From Many, One” or “One From Many” – our nation is made from many states.
Most states will have their seals showcase a relevant story, that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Great Lake State has certainly captured this in their state seal.
Official U.S. Seal
The Michigan State Seal is different to the official U.S. seal, and 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 and is separate and distinct of the seals that each U.S. state has.
