Seal of Wyoming facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Great Seal of the State of Wyoming
Versions
Seal of the Governor
Armiger	State of Wyoming
Adopted	1893
Motto	Equal Rights

The Great Seal of the State of Wyoming is an important symbol for the state. It was first chosen by the state's lawmakers in 1893. Later, it was updated by another group of lawmakers in 1921.

What is the Great Seal of Wyoming?

The Great Seal of Wyoming is like an official stamp or emblem. It represents the state government and its history. You can see it on official documents and buildings.

History of the Seal

The seal was first adopted in 1893. This means it became the official symbol that year. It was later changed a bit in 1921 to make it even better.

What Do the Symbols on the Seal Mean?

The Great Seal of Wyoming is full of interesting symbols. Each part tells a story about Wyoming's past and its values.

Important Dates: 1869 and 1890

You will see two dates on the seal: 1869 and 1890.

• 1869 marks the year Wyoming first set up its own government as a territory. A territory is an area of land that belongs to the United States but is not yet a state.
• 1890 celebrates the year Wyoming officially became the 44th state in the United States. This is called "admission to the Union."

The Central Figure and "Equal Rights"

In the middle of the seal, there is a figure wearing a long robe. This figure holds a staff with a banner flowing from it. The banner proudly displays the words "Equal Rights." This part of the seal shows that women in Wyoming have had equal political rights since 1869. That year, Wyoming was the first territory to give women the right to vote.

Male Figures: Industries of Wyoming

On either side of the central figure, there are two male figures. These figures represent two of Wyoming's most important industries.

• One figure stands for the livestock industry, which includes ranching and farming animals.
• The other figure represents the mining industry, where valuable resources like coal and minerals are dug from the ground.

The Number 44 and the Star

You can also see the number 44 on a five-pointed star. This number is very important. It reminds everyone that Wyoming was the 44th state to join the United States.

Lamps and Scrolls: Knowledge and Resources

At the top of the pillars on the seal, there are lamps. These lamps have flames burning from them. They represent the "Light of Knowledge," showing that education and learning are important.

Around the two pillars, there are scrolls. These scrolls list four of Wyoming's main industries:

• Oil
• Mines
• Livestock
• Grain

These words highlight the natural resources and economic activities that are vital to the state.

Where Can You See the Seal?

The state seal is displayed in several important places.

• You can see it in stained glass in the ceilings of both the House of Representatives Chamber and the Senate Chamber in Wyoming's state capital building.
• The seal is also a big part of the flag of Wyoming. On the flag, the seal is placed on the outline of an American bison.