The Great Seal of the State of Kansas, 1861. The seal pictures a sunrise, a steamboat, plowing, a wagon, Native Americans hunting bison, and the state motto, 'Ad Astra per Aspera' meaning "To the Stars through Difficulties."

Seal of Kansas

The Great Seal of the State of Kansas, 1861. The seal pictures a sunrise, a steamboat, plowing, a wagon,…

The seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The seal shows a frontiersman and a statesman shaking hands with the state motto, "United we stand, divided we fall."

Seal of Kentucky

The seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The seal shows a frontiersman and a statesman shaking hands…

The seal of the state of Louisiana. The seal shows a pelican in her piety, feeding her young with her own blood. This image is surrounded with the state motto, "Union, justice, and confidence."

Seal of Louisiana

The seal of the state of Louisiana. The seal shows a pelican in her piety, feeding her young with her…

The seal of the state of Maine. The seal has a farmer with his scythe and a sailor with his anchor. Above the shield is the state motto 'Dirigo' meaning "I lead."

Seal of Maine

The seal of the state of Maine. The seal has a farmer with his scythe and a sailor with his anchor.…

The Great Seal of the State of Maryland. The seal is a shield being held by plowman and a fisherman. The motto 'Fatti maschii, parole femine' means "Strong deeds, gentle words."

Seal of Maryland

The Great Seal of the State of Maryland. The seal is a shield being held by plowman and a fisherman.…

The Seal of the State of Massachusetts. The seal has a shield in the center with a Algonquin Native American holding a bow and arrow. Around the shield, is a blue ribbon with the state motto, 'Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem" which means "By the sword we seek peace, but only under liberty."

Seal of Massachusetts

The Seal of the State of Massachusetts. The seal has a shield in the center with a Algonquin Native…

The Great Seal of the State of Michigan. This seal shows the Michigan's coat of arms held by an elk and a moose. The white ribbon holds the state motto, 'Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice' which means "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."

Seal of Michigan

The Great Seal of the State of Michigan. This seal shows the Michigan's coat of arms held by an elk…

The Great Seal of the State of Minnesota. The seal depicts a farmer plowing as a Native American rides by horseback. Above, the state motto reads, 'L'etoile du nord' meaning "Star of the North."

Seal of Minnesota

The Great Seal of the State of Minnesota. The seal depicts a farmer plowing as a Native American rides…

The Great Seal of the State of Mississippi. The bald eagle wears stars and stripes and holds an olive branch symbolizing peace and arrows representing war.

Seal of Mississippi

The Great Seal of the State of Mississippi. The bald eagle wears stars and stripes and holds an olive…

The Great Seal of the State of Missouri. Two grizzly bears hold a shield with the national seal and icons symbolizing growth and strength. The scroll holds the state motto, 'Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto' meaning "Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law."

Seal of Missouri

The Great Seal of the State of Missouri. Two grizzly bears hold a shield with the national seal and…

The Great Seal of the State of Montana. The seal shows Montana and a shovel, pick, and plow symbolizing agriculture. The state motto is 'Oro y Plata' meaning "Gold and Silver."

Seal of Montana

The Great Seal of the State of Montana. The seal shows Montana and a shovel, pick, and plow symbolizing…

The Red River Campaign or Red River Expedition consisted of a series of battles fought along the Red River in Louisiana during the American Civil War. Pictured here is the fleet passing the dam.

Red River Expedition

The Red River Campaign or Red River Expedition consisted of a series of battles fought along the Red…

The Great Seal of the State of Nebraska, 1867. The seal shows a steamboat on the Missouri River, a train, a cabin, and a blacksmith. The banner holds the state motto, "Equality Before the Law."

Seal of Nebraska

The Great Seal of the State of Nebraska, 1867. The seal shows a steamboat on the Missouri River, a train,…

The Great Seal of the State of Nevada. The seal shows wheat, a sickle, and a plow representing agriculture. It also shows sunshine, mountains and the state motto, "All for Our Country."

Seal of Nevada

The Great Seal of the State of Nevada. The seal shows wheat, a sickle, and a plow representing agriculture.…

The Great Seal of the State of New Hampshire, 1784. The seal depicts a ship on stocks with a sunrise in the background.

Seal of New Hampshire

The Great Seal of the State of New Hampshire, 1784. The seal depicts a ship on stocks with a sunrise…

The Great Seal of the State of New Jersey. The seal features Liberty and Ceres holding a shield with three plows representing agriculture. The state motto in the ribbon below reads, "Liberty and Prosperity."

Seal of New Jersey

The Great Seal of the State of New Jersey. The seal features Liberty and Ceres holding a shield with…

The Great Seal of the State of New Mexico, 1850. The seal pictures the American Bald Eagle and the Mexican Eagle holding a cactus in its talons and a snake in its mouth. Below them is a banner with the state motto, 'Crescit Eundo' meaning "It grows as it goes."

Seal of New Mexico

The Great Seal of the State of New Mexico, 1850. The seal pictures the American Bald Eagle and the Mexican…

The Great Seal of the State of New York. The seal shows Justice holding the scales and Liberty stepping on the British Crown. Between them, is a shield with the sun and boats on the Hudson River. Beneath is the state motto 'Excelsior' meaning "Ever upwards."

Seal of New York

The Great Seal of the State of New York. The seal shows Justice holding the scales and Liberty stepping…

The Great Seal of the State of North Carolina, 1773. The seal shows Liberty standing and Plenty holding a cornucopia. Below is the state motto, 'Esse Quam Videri' meaning "To Be Rather Than To Seem."

Seal of North Carolina

The Great Seal of the State of North Carolina, 1773. The seal shows Liberty standing and Plenty holding…

The Great Seal of the State of North Dakota. The seal depicts a tree, wheat, a plow, and a Native American on horseback hunting a buffalo. Above is the state motto, "Liberty and Union Now and Forever, One and Inseparable."

Seal of North Dakota

The Great Seal of the State of North Dakota. The seal depicts a tree, wheat, a plow, and a Native American…

The Great Seal of the State of Ohio. The seal features a sunrise behind a wheat field and mountains. The wheat bundle symbolizes agriculture and the seventeen arrows represents Ohio's admittance as the seventeenth state.

Seal of Ohio

The Great Seal of the State of Ohio. The seal features a sunrise behind a wheat field and mountains.…

The Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma, 1907. The seal has a star with five rays hold seals of Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole.

Seal of Oklahoma

The Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma, 1907. The seal has a star with five rays hold seals of Cherokee,…

The Great Seal of the State of Oregon. The seal shows mountains, an elk, a wagon, and the Pacific Ocean.

Seal of Oregon

The Great Seal of the State of Oregon. The seal shows mountains, an elk, a wagon, and the Pacific Ocean.

The Seal of the State of Pennsylvania. The seal shows a shield which has a ship, a plow, and sheaves of wheat. This represents commerce, labor, and agriculture.

Seal of Pennsylvania

The Seal of the State of Pennsylvania. The seal shows a shield which has a ship, a plow, and sheaves…

The Seal of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, 1636. The seal shows a maritime anchor and the word "Hope."

Seal of Rhode Island

The Seal of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, 1636. The seal shows a maritime anchor…

The Great Seal of the State of South Carolina. The seal shows two ovals with palmetto tree branches. On the left is a palmetto tree with 'Animis Opibusoue Parati' meaning "Prepared in Mind and Resources." On the right there is Spes or Hope. Underneath her, is the motto 'Dum Spiro Spero' meaning "While I Breathe I Hope."

Seal of South Carolina

The Great Seal of the State of South Carolina. The seal shows two ovals with palmetto tree branches.…

The Great Seal of the State of South Dakota, 1889. The seal shows hills, a river and a boat, a farmer, a mine, and cattle. The state motto is above and reads "Under God the People Rule."

Seal of South Dakota

The Great Seal of the State of South Dakota, 1889. The seal shows hills, a river and a boat, a farmer,…

The Great Seal of the State of Tennessee. The seal shows images such as wheat and a plow to represent agriculture and a boat to symbolize commerce.

Seal of Tennessee

The Great Seal of the State of Tennessee. The seal shows images such as wheat and a plow to represent…

The Seal of Texas. The seal has simply a star which is a common symbol of Texas, an olive branch, and a live oak branch.

Seal of Texas

The Seal of Texas. The seal has simply a star which is a common symbol of Texas, an olive branch, and…

The Great Seal of the State of Utah, 1896. The seal shows a bald eagle holding a shield. The shield has a beehive with the motto "Industry."

Seal of Utah

The Great Seal of the State of Utah, 1896. The seal shows a bald eagle holding a shield. The shield…

The Great Seal of Vermont. The seal depicts a pine tree in the center with grain sheaves and a cow at its side. Below holds the state motto "Freedom and Unity."

Seal of Vermont

The Great Seal of Vermont. The seal depicts a pine tree in the center with grain sheaves and a cow at…

The Seal of Virginia. The seal shows a Virtus standing over the defeated Tyranny with his fallen crown. Underneath them reads, 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' whiich means "Thus Always to Tyrants."

Seal of Virginia

The Seal of Virginia. The seal shows a Virtus standing over the defeated Tyranny with his fallen crown.…

The Seal of the State of Washington, 1889. The seal contains a portrait of George Washington and the 1889, when Washington state was admitted to the Union.

Seal of Washington

The Seal of the State of Washington, 1889. The seal contains a portrait of George Washington and the…

The Seal of the State of West Virginia. This seal depicts two men representing agriculture and industry standing on the sides of a boulder inscribed with the date West Virginia became a state, June 20, 1863. The state motto is below reading 'Montani Semper Liberi' meaning "Mountaineers Always Free."

Seal of West Virginia

The Seal of the State of West Virginia. This seal depicts two men representing agriculture and industry…

The Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin. The seal shows a sailor and a yeoman holding the state's coat of arms. It also shows the state animal, the badger and the state motto "Forward."

Seal of Wisconsin

The Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin. The seal shows a sailor and a yeoman holding the state's coat…

The Great Seal of the State of Wyoming. The seal shows two men symbolizing livestock and mining next to a draped statue with the banner "Equal Rights." The ribbon around the columns reads "Oil, Mines, Livestock, Grain."

Seal of Wyoming

The Great Seal of the State of Wyoming. The seal shows two men symbolizing livestock and mining next…

The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States federal government.

First Great Seal of the United States (Front)

The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States…

The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States federal government.

First Great Seal of the United States (Back)

The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States…

The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States federal government.

Great Seal of the United States

The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States…

A slave auction in New Orleans, Louisiana.

A Slave Auction in New Orleans

A slave auction in New Orleans, Louisiana.

John Slidell (1793 – July 26, 1871) was an American politician, lawyer and businessman.

John Slidell

John Slidell (1793 – July 26, 1871) was an American politician, lawyer and businessman.

An illustration of a crwth on a 14th century seal. The crwth (in English crowd) is an archaic stringed musical instrument, associated particularly with Welsh music, although once played widely in Europe

Crwth on a Seal

An illustration of a crwth on a 14th century seal. The crwth (in English crowd) is an archaic stringed…

The riddle in this "Riddle-seal of Oxford" is an 'ox' crossing a 'ford.' "A seal which contains a rebus, riddle, or other descriptive device." -Whitney, 1911

Riddle Seal

The riddle in this "Riddle-seal of Oxford" is an 'ox' crossing a 'ford.' "A seal which contains a rebus,…

"Ancient Cretan sealing. An impression in clay used to seal vases and other receptacles, examples of which are frequently found in archaeological excavations." -Whitney, 1911

Vase Sealing

"Ancient Cretan sealing. An impression in clay used to seal vases and other receptacles, examples of…

The motto label is a found on the seal of the town of Schiltach, Germany. It has a Gothic inscription on the scroll "S. opidi schilttach".

Motto Label

The motto label is a found on the seal of the town of Schiltach, Germany. It has a Gothic inscription…

Kalmia latifolia, commonly called Mountain-laurel or Spoonwood, is a flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, native to the eastern United States, from southern Maine south to northern Florida, and west to Indiana and Louisiana.

Mountain-laurel

Kalmia latifolia, commonly called Mountain-laurel or Spoonwood, is a flowering plant in the family Ericaceae,…

The Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus) is a seal in the Phocidae family of true or earless seals.

Bearded Seal

The Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus) is a seal in the Phocidae family of true or earless seals.

"Fan-crest, about 1350. A form of crest common in the middle ages at different periods, as in the reign of Richard I. of England, whose second great seal shows this crest, and again at the end of the thirteenth century, when it assumed the shape of a fan or screen with radiating ribs, attached to the helm at a single point." -Whitney, 1911

Medieval Helmet with Fan Crest

"Fan-crest, about 1350. A form of crest common in the middle ages at different periods, as in the reign…

The Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus) is large seal in the Otariidae family of eared seals.

Northern Fur Seal

The Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus) is large seal in the Otariidae family of eared seals.

Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826) was the third President of the United States (1801–1809), the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of republicanism in the United States. Major events during his presidency include the Louisiana Purchase (1803) and the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806).

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826) was the third President of the United States (1801–1809),…

A political cartoon of the Southern states being built from the ruins after the Civil War.

Southern Republic Built from the Ruins

A political cartoon of the Southern states being built from the ruins after the Civil War.

Pierre Gustave Toutan Beauregard (1818 - 1893) was a Louisiana-born author, civil servant, politician, inventor, and general for the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was the victor at the First Battle of Bull Run near Manassas, Virginia and commanded armies through the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee and the Siege of Corinth in northern Mississippi.

General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard

Pierre Gustave Toutan Beauregard (1818 - 1893) was a Louisiana-born author, civil servant, politician,…

The Battle of Baton Rouge, also known as Magnolia Cemetery, was a ground and naval battle in the Civil War fought in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on August 5, 1862. The Union victory halted Confederate attempts to recapture the capital city of Louisiana.

Battle of Baton Rouge

The Battle of Baton Rouge, also known as Magnolia Cemetery, was a ground and naval battle in the Civil…

Gunboats at the Battle of Baton Rouge, also known as Magnolia Cemetery, was a ground and naval battle in the Civil War fought in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on August 5, 1862. The Union victory halted Confederate attempts to recapture the capital city of Louisiana.

Gunboats at the Battle of Baton Rouge

Gunboats at the Battle of Baton Rouge, also known as Magnolia Cemetery, was a ground and naval battle…

Martial Law in Louisiana in 1875. The U.S. Bayonet is not partisan in the Louisiana Legislature.

Louisiana's Martial Law in 1875

Martial Law in Louisiana in 1875. The U.S. Bayonet is not partisan in the Louisiana Legislature.

An illustration of a man standing in front of the Army insignia.

Military Man with Army Insignia

An illustration of a man standing in front of the Army insignia.

"Gnathodon cuneatus. A bivalve mollusk. G. cuneatus is the cuneate clam of Louisiana." -Whitney, 1911

Gnathodon

"Gnathodon cuneatus. A bivalve mollusk. G. cuneatus is the cuneate clam of Louisiana." -Whitney, 1911

Color flag of American Samoa. Blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the fly side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a war club known as a "Fa'alaufa'i" (upper; left talon), and a coconut fiber fly whisk known as a "Fue" (lower; right talon); the combination of symbols broadly mimics that seen on the US Great Seal and reflects the relationship between the United States and American Samoa.

Flag of American Samoa, 2009

Color flag of American Samoa. Blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the fly side…

Black and white outline flag of American Samoa. Blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the fly side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a war club known as a "Fa'alaufa'i" (upper; left talon), and a coconut fiber fly whisk known as a "Fue" (lower; right talon); the combination of symbols broadly mimics that seen on the US Great Seal and reflects the relationship between the United States and American Samoa

Flag of American Samoa, 2009

Black and white outline flag of American Samoa. Blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is based…

Color flag of Morocco. Red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal in the center of the flag; red and green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian gulf; design dates to 1912.

Flag of Morocco, 2009

Color flag of Morocco. Red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Sulayman's (Solomon's)…