e-ReferenceDesk's College and 50 State Learning Resource Guide

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US State Seals

State Seals

Find information and history of the official state seal of each of the states.

Washington, DC Symbols

Washington, DC Symbols

Bird, Flag, Flower, Motto, Nicknames, Anthem, Seal, Tree

Washington, DC District Seal

Great Seal of the District of Columbia

Adopted on August 3, 1871

Justice (who is a woman) is shown on the seal hanging a wreath on a statue of George Washington. The first act passed by the District's first legislative assembly on August 3, 1871, created the corporate seal of the District of Columbia, which includes this motto.

State Seals

In days when communications were transcribed by hand and tediously undertaken, seals served to authenticate official government documents. In this day of computers and instant communications, seals still serve the same purpose.

great seal
noun

The principal seal of a government or state, with which official documents are are stamped as proof of having been approved or certified