Great Seal of Arkansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Great Seal of Arkansas |
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| Armiger | State of Arkansas |
| Adopted | May 3, 1864 (modifications made in 1907) |
| Motto | Latin: Regnat populus, lit. 'The people rule' |
| Earlier version(s) | 1820-1836, the Arkansas Territory; 1836-1864, the State of Arkansas; 1864-1865, Arkansas government in exile at Washington |
The Great Seal of Arkansas is like an official stamp. It's used to make sure important papers from the Government of Arkansas are real. The seal is a special design that gets pressed onto documents. The actual physical seal is kept by the Governor of Arkansas. The design we see today was officially changed on May 23, 1907.
What the Seal Looks Like
The law in Arkansas describes exactly what the state seal should show. It has many important symbols:
- At the bottom, there is an eagle.
- The eagle holds a scroll in its beak. On the scroll, it says "Regnat populus," which means "The people rule."
- In one claw, the eagle holds a bundle of arrows.
- In its other claw, it holds an olive branch.
- A shield covers the eagle's chest.
- At the top of the shield, there is a steamboat.
- In the middle, you can see a beehive and a plow.
- At the bottom, there is a sheaf of wheat.
- At the very top of the seal is the Goddess of Liberty.
- She holds a wreath in her right hand.
- In her left hand, she holds a pole with a liberty cap on top.
- Stars surround her, and outside the stars are rays of light.
- On the left side of the seal, there is an angel named "Mercy."
- On the right side, there is a sword named "Justice."
- Around all these symbols, the words "Seal of the State of Arkansas" are written.
History of the Seal
The current design of the Great Seal was approved by the state legislature on May 23, 1907. This change updated an earlier law from May 3, 1864. The main reason for the 1907 change was to fix a small mistake in the motto. It was changed from Regnant populi to Regnat populus, which correctly means "The people rule."
Past Seals of Arkansas
The official seal of the Arkansas region has changed several times throughout history.
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before 1836
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from 1836
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from 1864
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after 1907
See also
