Great Seal of Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Great Seal of Missouri |
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| Armiger | State of Missouri |
| Adopted | January 22, 1822 (modifications made in 1907) |
| Motto | Latin: Salus populi suprema lex esto, lit. 'The welfare of the people is the supreme law' |
| Use | in the General Assembly; on official buildings; on the State flag; in the header of the official documents (including letters and commissions) |
The Great Seal of Missouri is a special symbol used by the state of Missouri. It helps to prove that important documents from the Missouri government are real. The term "Great Seal" can mean the actual stamp or device, which is kept by the Secretary of State. It also refers to the design that is pressed onto documents. A person named Robert Wells from Jefferson City created this important seal.
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What the Missouri Seal Looks Like
The center of the seal has two main parts. On the right side, you can see a picture of the Great Seal of the United States. On the left side, there are symbols that represent Missouri itself.
On both sides of the center circle, there is a bear. This bear stands for strength and bravery. You can also see a crescent moon. This moon represents the newness of Missouri becoming a state. It also shows the state's potential to grow. The moon is also a nod to the French people who first settled in Missouri.
Around these main symbols, you will find the motto "United we stand, divided we fall." There is also a belt buckle. This buckle shows that the state has the power to make its own choices.
Two strong bears support the center shield. These bears represent the native bears of Missouri. A scroll is placed below them. On this scroll, you can read the state motto: Salus populi suprema lex esto. This is a Latin phrase. It means "Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law."
The year 1820 is written in Roman numerals below the scroll. Even though Missouri officially became a state in 1821, the year 1820 is used. At the top of the seal, there are stars. Each star represents one of the other states in the Union. Missouri became the 24th state.
The outer edge of the seal has the words "The Great Seal of the State of Missouri." Above the shield, there is a helmet. This helmet shows that Missouri is a sovereign state, meaning it has its own power. A large star sits above the helmet, surrounded by 23 smaller stars. This large star shows Missouri's place as the 24th state. A cloud around the stars means that Missouri faced some challenges when it was becoming a state.
The Latin phrase Salus populi suprema lex esto means "The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law." This important phrase comes from an ancient Roman writer named Cicero. He wrote it in his book De Legibus.
This phrase is the official state motto of Missouri. It is proudly displayed on the state seal. Many other places also use this motto. For example, the City of Salford in England uses it. John Locke, a famous thinker, also used this phrase in his book about government. He called it a basic rule for how governments should work.
History of the Seal
Robert Wells designed the Great Seal of Missouri. He was from Jefferson City. The state officially adopted the seal on January 11, 1822.
It's interesting to know that the bears on the Great Seal are grizzly bears. However, grizzly bears have never actually lived in Missouri. This is something the state's Department of Conservation has shared.
Other Government Seals in Missouri
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Seal of the Missouri House of Representatives
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Seal of the Missouri Senate
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Seal of the State Auditor of Missouri
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Seal of the Missouri Public Service Commission
See also
In Spanish: Gran sello del estado de Misuri para niños
- Flag of Missouri
- Symbols of the State of Missouri
it:Salus populi suprema lex esto
