Seal of Michigan Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Great Seal of the State of Michigan

Armiger	State of Michigan
Adopted	July 22, 1835 (standardized 1911)
Motto	E Pluribus Unum Tuebor Si Quæris Peninsulam Amœnam Circumspice

The Great Seal of the State of Michigan is a special symbol for the U.S. state of Michigan. It shows the state's coat of arms on a light blue background. This seal helps represent Michigan and its values.

The design of the seal has many interesting parts. On a dark blue shield, you can see the Sun rising over a lake and a peninsula. A man holds a long gun with one hand raised. This shows both peace and the ability to protect one's rights. The elk and moose are animals that represent Michigan. The bald eagle at the top stands for the United States.

Understanding the Michigan State Seal
- Latin Mottos on the Seal
- What the Law Says About the Great Seal
Michigan's Coat of Arms Explained
Other Official Michigan Seals
See also

Understanding the Michigan State Seal

The Great Seal of Michigan was officially chosen on June 22, 1835. It was later made standard in 1911. This seal is used on important state documents. It helps show that the documents are official.

Latin Mottos on the Seal

The seal features three important sayings, called mottos, written in Latin. Each motto has a special meaning:

On the red ribbon at the top: E Pluribus Unum. This means "Out of many, one." It is also a motto of the United States. It reminds us that many states come together to form one country.
On the blue shield: Tuebor. This means "I will defend." It shows Michigan's readiness to protect its people and land.
On the white ribbon at the bottom: Si Quæris Peninsulam Amœnam Circumspice. This is Michigan's official state motto. It means "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." This motto was adopted in 1835. It is said to be inspired by a tribute to an architect named Christopher Wren in London. His monument reads, "If you seek his monument, look around you."

What the Law Says About the Great Seal

A law from 1963 explains what the Great Seal should look like. It says the seal must include the state's coat of arms. Around the coat of arms, it must say "great seal of the state of Michigan, A.D. MDCCCXXXV." The "A.D. MDCCCXXXV" part is a Roman numeral for the year 1835. This is the year the seal was adopted.

Michigan's Coat of Arms Explained

Coat of arms of the State of Michigan

Versions
Historical coat of arms (1876)

Armiger	State of Michigan
Adopted	June 22, 1835 (standardized 1911)
Motto	E Pluribus Unum Tuebor Si Quæris Peninsulam Amœnam Circumspice

The Coat of Arms of Michigan is very similar to the Great Seal. It was also adopted in 1835. The main difference is that the Coat of Arms does not have the circle of words around it. It does not say "The Great Seal of the State of Michigan, A.D. MDCCCXXXV."

The state legislature made the current version of the Coat of Arms official in 1911. Unlike the Great Seal, the Coat of Arms can be printed on many things. This includes documents, stationery, or decorations. It can be used without extra words or advertisements. However, it is against the law to show the Coat of Arms in the wrong way. Doing so can lead to a misdemeanor charge.

Other Official Michigan Seals

Besides the Great Seal, various government offices in Michigan have their own seals. These seals help identify official documents and communications from those offices. They are important symbols of authority.