Seal of San Francisco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seal of the City and County of San Francisco |
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The seal of the City and County of San Francisco.
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| Armiger | City and County of San Francisco |
| Adopted | March 26, 1900 |
The seal of the City and County of San Francisco is a special symbol that represents the city. It's like a unique picture or emblem. This seal is a type of coat of arms, which is a design often used by cities, families, or groups to show who they are.
The San Francisco seal includes several parts: a shield, a crest (something on top of the shield), supporters (figures that hold up the shield), and a motto (a short, meaningful phrase). The city's name is written around the edge of the seal.
History of the San Francisco Seal
The current seal was officially chosen in 1859 by the city's leaders, called the Board of Supervisors. It replaced a very similar seal that had been used for seven years before that.
The design of the seal was described in an official rule, Ordinance #39, on March 26, 1900. It says the seal should have:
- A shield in the middle.
- A miner on the left and a sailor on the right, holding up the shield.
- A picture of a steamship sailing through the Golden Gate.
- Symbols of business, shipping, and mining at the bottom.
- A phoenix bird rising from flames at the top.
- The motto "Oro en Paz, Fierro en Guerra" (which means "Gold in Peace, Iron in War").
- The words "Seal of the City and County of San Francisco" around the outside.
The shield on the seal shows the famous Golden Gate strait and the hills on each side, just as they looked in 1859. You can also see a paddlewheel steamship entering San Francisco Bay.
Above the shield is the crest, which features a phoenix. This is a legendary bird from Greek stories that is said to rise from ashes after being burned. It often represents new beginnings.
Two figures, called supporters, stand on either side of the shield. On the left is a miner holding a shovel. On the right is a sailor holding a sextant, which is a tool used to navigate ships. Both figures are dressed in clothes from the 1850s. At their feet, you can see a plow and an anchor. These items represent farming and shipping, which were important activities for the city.
Below the shield, there is a motto written in Spanish: "Oro en paz, fierro en guerra". This means "Gold in peace, iron in war". It shows the city's history with the California Gold Rush and its strength.
The official description of the seal from the San Francisco government does not say what specific colors should be used when the seal is drawn or printed.
See also
In Spanish: Escudo de San Francisco para niños
