Seal of Portland, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seal of the City of Portland |
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Current seal of Portland, adopted in 2005.
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| Adopted | August 2005 |
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The seal of the City of Portland is an important symbol for the city in Oregon. It was first created way back in 1878. Over the years, it has been updated a few times. It was made more standard in 1964 and then changed again on August 3, 2005.
This seal tells a story about Portland. The main female figure on the seal stands for Commerce. This means trade and business. Other symbols like the sheaf of grain, a cogwheel, and a sledgehammer show how the city started. They represent its farming roots, its industries, and the hard work of its people.
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What is the Portland City Seal?
A city seal is like a special stamp or emblem. It represents a city and its government. Cities use their seals on official papers. They also use them on buildings and other city property. It helps show that something is truly from the city.
Symbols on the Seal
The Portland city seal has several important pictures. Each one tells us something about the city's past and what it values.
Commerce and Growth
In the middle of the seal, you can see a female figure. She represents Commerce. This means buying, selling, and trading goods. Portland has always been a busy port city. Ships arrive and leave with many different products. This figure shows how important trade is to Portland's success.
Farming and Industry
You will also notice a sheaf of grain. This symbol stands for farming. It reminds us that Portland was built on rich farmland. The cogwheel is another key symbol. It represents industry and factories. The sledgehammer shows hard work and manufacturing. Together, these symbols highlight Portland's history. They show its strong ties to both agriculture and making things.
Other Features
If you look closely, you might see other details. There is often a ship, showing Portland's connection to the water. Mountains can also be seen, representing the beautiful natural landscape around the city. These elements add more meaning to the seal.
A Look Back: The Seal's History
City seals often change over time. This can happen as cities grow or their main focus shifts.
Early Beginnings (1878)
The very first version of Portland's city seal was adopted in 1878. This was a long time ago. It was created when the city was still quite young. It helped Portland establish its official identity.
Changes Over Time (1964 & 2005)
Over the years, the seal was updated. In 1964, it was standardized. This means its design was made more consistent. Then, in 2005, the seal was revised again. This newer version is the one we see today. These changes help keep the seal modern. They also make sure it still represents the city well.
Why City Seals Are Important
City seals are more than just pretty pictures. They are official symbols. They are used on important documents like laws and permits. They also appear on police cars and city buildings. The seal helps people know that something is official. It also helps build a sense of pride for the city. It reminds everyone of Portland's history and values.
