Seal of Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Seal of the State of Kansas |
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| Armiger | State of Kansas |
| Adopted | May 25, 1861 |
| Motto | Ad Astra per Aspera |
The Great Seal of the State of Kansas is a special symbol. It tells the story of Kansas and its history. This seal is found on the Kansas state flag.
What Does the Seal Show?
The Great Seal of Kansas shows many important things. Each part represents a piece of the state's past and values.
- Rising Sun: In the background, a rising sun shows the east. It symbolizes a new beginning and hope.
- River and Steamboat: A river with a steamboat represents commerce. This means trade and business, which were important for growth.
- Settler's Cabin and Plowman: In the front, you see a settler's cabin and a man plowing a field. This highlights agriculture, or farming, as the foundation of Kansas's future.
- Wagon Train: A wagon train is moving west. This shows the American expansion and the brave pioneer life.
- Native Americans and Bison: You can see Native Americans hunting American Bison. The bison, also called buffalo, are moving away from the hunters. This represents the early days of the land.
- Thirty-Four Stars: At the top of the seal, there is a group of 34 stars. These stars show that Kansas was the 34th state to join the United States.
- State Motto: The motto "Ad Astra per Aspera" is written on the seal. This is a Latin phrase that means "To the Stars through Difficulties." It reminds people that great achievements often come after hard work.
History of the Seal
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The idea for the Great Seal of Kansas came from John James Ingalls. He was a state senator from Atchison. Senator Ingalls also suggested the state motto, "Ad astra per aspera."
The Kansas Legislature officially approved the design for the Great Seal. This happened on May 25, 1861. It was established through a special decision called a joint resolution.
The resolution described what the seal should look like: "The east is shown by a rising sun on the right side of the seal. To its left, a river and a steamboat represent trade. In the front, farming is shown as the basis for the state's future. This is seen with a settler’s cabin and a man plowing with two horses. Beyond this, a train of ox-wagons is heading west. In the background, a herd of buffalo is moving away, chased by two Native Americans on horseback. Around the top is the motto, 'Ad astra per aspera.' Below it is a group of thirty-four stars. The circle is surrounded by the words, "Great seal of the state of Kansas. January 29, 1861."
See also
In Spanish: Gran sello del estado de Kansas para niños
