Seal of Montana facts for kids
The Great Seal of the State of Montana is the official symbol for the U.S. state of Montana. It was first chosen in 1865. At that time, Montana was a United States Territory. When Montana officially became a state in 1889, it decided to keep this same seal.
Contents
What is a State Seal?
A state seal is like a special stamp or emblem. It represents the government and people of a state. Seals are used on important documents. They show that a document is official and approved by the state.
What Does the Montana Seal Look Like?
The Montana State Seal has two main parts. There is an outer ring and an inner circle.
The Outer Ring
The outer ring of the seal is simple. It clearly states, "The Great Seal of the State of Montana." This helps everyone know what the seal represents.
The Inner Circle: A Picture of Montana
The inner part of the seal shows a beautiful picture. It highlights some of Montana's most famous features.
Mountains, Plains, and Forests
You can see tall mountains in the background. These represent the Rocky Mountains that run through Montana. In front of the mountains are wide, flat plains. These are home to many farms and ranches. There are also green forests, showing Montana's natural beauty.
The Missouri River and Great Falls
The seal also features the Missouri River. This is one of the longest rivers in North America. Near the river, you can see the Great Falls. These are a series of large waterfalls. They are an important landmark in Montana's history and geography.
Tools of Work
In the foreground of the seal, you can spot some tools. There is a pickaxe and a shovel. These tools represent Montana's history of mining. Many people came to Montana to find gold and other valuable minerals. A plow is also shown, symbolizing farming and agriculture. These industries were, and still are, very important to Montana.
The State Motto
Above the mountains, a ribbon flies with the state motto. The motto is "Oro y Plata." This is Spanish for "Gold and Silver." It reminds us of Montana's rich mining past.
History of the Seal
The seal was designed when Montana was still a territory. It was created to represent the land and its people. When Montana became the 41st U.S. state in 1889, leaders decided to keep the original design. This shows how much they valued its meaning. The seal has been a symbol of Montana for over 150 years.
