North Dakota State Seal

Great Seal of the State of North Dakota

Adopted in 1889.

The North Dakota Great Seal was adopted in 1889. The description reads as follows: A tree in the open field, the trunk of which is surrounded by three bundles of wheat; on the right a plow, anvil and sledge; on the left, a bow crossed with three arrows, and an Indian on horseback pursuing a buffalo toward the setting sun; the foliage of the tree arched by a half circle of forty-two stars, surrounded by the motto Liberty and Union Now and Forever, One and Inseparable; the words Great Seal at the top; the words State of North Dakota at the bottom; October 1st on the left and 1889 on the right.

To more clearly define the acceptable uses of the Great Seal and to end the dependency on the opinions, Senate Bill 2448 was passed by the Fifty-fourth Legislative Assembly. The bill gave the Secretary of State greater flexibility and authority in carrying out the custodial responsibilities related to the Great Seal. In addition, it specifically prohibited the use of the Great Seal for political purposes. The existing law was also amended to allow the Great Seal to be reproduced, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, on items for sale as gifts and souvenirs by the State Historical Society and the Parks and Recreation Department.

"The North Dakota Great Seal is the state's only symbol that is protected by state law (Section 54-02-01 of the North Dakota Century Code). It cannot be reproduced or modified in any manner for use in any commercial applications. For more information regarding its use, contact the office of the North Dakota Secretary of State."