Seal of Pensacola, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seal of Pensacola, Florida |
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| Adopted | 1902 |
| Crest | Christian cross and conquistador's helmet |
| Blazon | A circle around a shield with a Latin-type cross in the upper central part of the shield, at the base of which shall be a helmet with plumes, and above the shield a hand with a pen in the act of signing, and on the left side of the shield the figures "1698," "1821," "1895" and "1913," and beneath the shield the figures "1931." |
The Seal of Pensacola is like a special symbol or logo for the city of Pensacola, Florida. It helps people know that something is official from the city government. This seal has been used since 1870, and the city officially made it their symbol in 1902. There have been only small changes to it over the years.
What the Pensacola Seal Means
At the center of the seal, there is a shield. On this shield, you can see a Christian cross and a helmet like those worn by a conquistador. Conquistadors were Spanish explorers and soldiers. This part of the seal is a changed version of a "cross and crown" symbol. It reminds us of the religious mission of Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano, an early Spanish leader.
Above the shield, there is a hand holding a quill pen. The hand stands for faith, honesty, and fairness. The pen represents learning and the arts.
Important Dates on the Seal
There are five important dates printed on the seal. These dates show when different city governments were started or changed in Pensacola.
The city's official rules describe the seal like this:
- The seal says "The City of Pensacola, Florida" around a circle.
- Inside the circle is a shield with a Latin-style cross at the top.
- Below the cross, there's a helmet with feathers.
- Above the shield, a hand holds a pen, ready to sign something.
- On the left side of the shield, you see "1698." This is the year the Spanish first settled Pensacola.
- Also on the left, "1821" is the year the first city government started under General Andrew Jackson.
- On the right side, "1895" and "1913" are the dates when the city changed to different types of government.
- Below the shield, "1931" is the date when the city started its council-manager government.
The design of the seal we see today has been used since 1870. In 1902, the city officially approved it to be the Seal of Pensacola.
For many years, the first date on the seal was 1696. But local historians, W. D. Skinner and Norm Simmons, looked into it. They found that 1698 was the correct year when Andrés de Arriola started a Spanish colony on Pensacola Bay. So, the date was changed to be accurate.
