Seal of Alabama facts for kids
The Great Seal of Alabama is the official symbol of the U.S. state of Alabama. It was first designed in 1817 by William Wyatt Bibb. He was the governor of the Alabama Territory and later became the state's first governor. When Alabama became a state in 1819, the state's law-making group, called the legislature, made Bibb's design the official state seal.
What is the Great Seal?
The seal clearly shows a map of Alabama. On this map, you can see the state's main rivers. These rivers were, and still are, very important for Alabama. They help with transportation and trade. This design shows how valuable the rivers are to the state.
A Brief History of the Seal
William Wyatt Bibb's original design was used as the official seal for many years. It stayed the state's symbol until 1868. In that year, a new design was chosen. The new seal showed an eagle holding a banner that said "Here We Rest." This design was not popular with everyone.
However, in 1939, the legislature and Governor Frank M. Dixon decided to bring back Bibb's first design. Since then, the original Great Seal of Alabama has remained the same. It continues to be an important symbol for the state.
