Seal of West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Seal of the State of West Virginia |
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Reverse
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Historical coat of arms (illustrated, 1876)
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| Armiger | State of West Virginia |
| Adopted | 1863 |
| Motto | Montani Semper Liberi Libertas E Fidelitate |
The Great Seal of the State of West Virginia is an important symbol. It was officially chosen in September 1863. This seal shows what the state is all about. It represents West Virginia's history, its people, and its values.
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What Does the Great Seal Show?
The main part of the seal is called the "obverse." It has a large rock with a special date carved into it: June 20, 1863. This is the day West Virginia became a state!
Symbols of Freedom and Work
In front of the rock, you can see two crossed rifles. There is also a liberty cap. These items are symbols of the state's fight for liberty and freedom.
On each side of the rock, there are two men. They represent the important jobs and industries in West Virginia.
- On the left, there is a farmer. He holds an ax and a plow. Behind him, a cornstalk grows. This shows the importance of agriculture in the state.
- On the right, there is a miner. He holds a pickax. Behind him, you can see an anvil and a sledge hammer. This represents the state's strong industry, especially mining.
The State Motto
Around the outside edge of the seal, it says "State of West Virginia." Below that, you'll find the state's motto: "Montani Semper Liberi." This Latin phrase means "Mountaineers are Always Free." West Virginia is often called "the Mountain State," so this motto fits perfectly!
The Reverse Side of the Seal
The back of the seal is called the "reverse" or "lesser seal." This side is the official seal used by the Governor of West Virginia. Its motto is "Libertas E Fidelitate." This means "Liberty out of Fidelity." Fidelity means being loyal and faithful. So, the motto suggests that freedom comes from being loyal and true.
The Meaning of "Montani Semper Liberi"
The motto Montani Semper Liberi is very important to West Virginia. It means "Mountaineers are Always Free." This phrase was chosen to be the official motto of the state. It became official in 1872. This happened when the state's constitution was signed.
The constitution states that this seal and its motto will be the "great seal of the state of West Virginia." It also says that the Secretary of State will keep it safe. The artist who designed the Great Seal, Joseph H. Diss Debar, was the one who suggested this powerful motto.
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The seal as it appears on the state flag.
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The official seal of the Governor of West Virginia.
