Seal of Nebraska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Seal of the State of Nebraska |
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| Armiger | State of Nebraska |
| Adopted | 1867 |
| Motto | Equality Before the Law |
The Great Seal of the State of Nebraska is an important symbol. It was chosen by the Nebraska Legislature on June 15, 1867. This seal shows a blacksmith working at an anvil. It also includes other symbols that represent Nebraska's early history as a state.
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What Does the Nebraska State Seal Look Like?
The design of the Nebraska State Seal was set by a law in 1867. The law describes what should be shown on the seal.
The eastern part of the circle to be represented by a steamboat ascending the Missouri River; the mechanic arts to be represented by a smith with hammer and anvil; in the foreground, agriculture to be represented by a settler's cabin, sheaves of wheat and stalks of growing corn; in the background a train of cars heading towards the Rocky Mountains, and on the extreme west, the Rocky Mountains to be plainly in view; around the top of this circle to be in capital letters, the motto. 'EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW,' and the circle to be surrounded with the words, 'Great Seal of the State of Nebraska, March 1st, 1867.'
The seal shows a steamboat on the Missouri River in the east. This represents travel and trade. A blacksmith with a hammer and anvil shows the importance of skilled workers. This part represents "mechanic arts."
In the front, you can see a settler's cabin. There are also bundles of wheat and growing corn. These symbols represent farming and the state's rich agriculture. In the back, a train is moving towards the Rocky Mountains. The mountains themselves are visible in the far west.
Around the top of the seal, you can read the motto: Equality Before the Law. This means everyone is treated fairly under the law. The words "Great Seal of the State of Nebraska, March 1st, 1867" surround the entire circle. This date marks when Nebraska became a state.
How Was the Nebraska State Seal Created?
A law was passed in 1867 to create the seal. It also required the Secretary of State to get a tool to stamp the seal. About $25 was set aside to buy this tool.
A special cast-iron press was bought for this purpose. It was shaped like a lion's head. This press was used to make the official seal. No one knows for sure who designed the seal. It might have been a jeweler in Omaha.
Changes and Updates to the Seal
In 1921, an architect named Bertram Goodhue suggested a new design for the state seal. He was the architect for the Nebraska State Capitol building. However, the Nebraska Legislature did not approve his new design in 1925.
Instead, they decided to put the existing state seal on an official state banner. This banner design later became the official Flag of Nebraska in 1963.
The original lion's head press was used for official state business for 138 years. Secretary of State John A. Gale finally retired it because it was getting old and might break. A newer, more modern press replaced it.
What Are the Criticisms of the Seal's Design?
Over the years, some people have pointed out issues with the seal's design. In 1921, the Nebraska State Journal newspaper said the 1867 seal looked "old-fashioned" and "average." However, they also found it interesting and a reminder of the past.
The newspaper noted that the Rocky Mountains should not be on the seal. This is because the Rocky Mountains are not located in Nebraska.
One hundred years later, in 2021, the newspaper again criticized the design. They added that since the seal shows the Missouri River, some of the land pictured might actually be in Iowa. This is because the Missouri River forms the border between Nebraska and Iowa.
See also
In Spanish: Gran sello del estado de Nebraska para niños
