Seal of Burlington County, New Jersey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Seal of Burlington County
Adopted	August 21, 2020
Crest	A wagon proceeding over a cement causeway with seagulls in attendance
Motto	Burlington County • New Jersey

The Seal of Burlington County, New Jersey is a special symbol. It represents Burlington County in New Jersey. This seal shows a wagon moving over a road. You can also see seagulls flying nearby. The words "Burlington County • New Jersey" are written around the edge.

The exact colors and sizes of the seal's parts can look a bit different. This depends on where you see it printed. However, in 2020, people worked to make the seal look the same everywhere.

The Old Burlington County Seal

Historic Seal of Burlington County
Adopted	May 17, 1694
Relinquished	August 21, 2020
Crest	A wagon proceeding over a cement causeway with seagulls in attendance
Motto	Burlington County, NJ • Board of Chosen Freeholders

The original version of the seal was created a long time ago. It was made on May 17, 1694. This old seal looked almost the same as the new one. It also showed the wagon, road, and seagulls.

Why the Seal Changed

The old seal had the words "Board of Chosen Freeholders" on it. This term was used for the county's leaders. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy decided to change this name. He wanted to rename "Freeholders" to "County Commissioners" across the state.

The word "Freeholder" used to mean someone who owned land. It also meant they were free of debt. When the office was first created, only white men could usually own land and be free of debt. Because of this history, the term was seen as unfair.

So, the leaders of Burlington County decided to make a change. They voted unanimously to rename themselves. They became the Board of County Commissioners. They also removed "Board of Chosen Freeholders" from the county seal. This change officially happened on August 21, 2020.