State seals, decoded: The motifs that symbolize each state across America

State seals, decoded: The motifs that symbolize each state across America

Every state seal across the U.S. tells a story. Sometimes these stories are proudly literal, other times they're more poetically symbolic. Beyond their official purpose, state seals act as miniature windows into what each state values most. Resilience, liberty, abundance, or even a good harvest are just a few motifs from states around the country.

ThatsThem has compiled of the most standout motifs in each state seal. From agricultural to industrial, with a splash of eccentricity, every state seal is a snapshot into how communities around the country define themselves. They are a blend of aspiration and nostalgia that preserves what each region wanted the world to notice first about them. The next time you happen to see a state seal embedded on a document or carved onto the wall of a government building, you’ll now know more about the major motifs within.

50 standout motifs in state seals

Alabama

Motif: The outline of Alabama itself, uniquely featuring only the state’s rivers. This motif is meant to highlight Alabama’s deep connection to its waterways, which were instrumental in shaping its geography and commerce near its foundation. The design mirrors the official Great Seal of the State of Alabama, featuring a map of the state with its principal rivers that reflect the state’s early reliance on its river systems for transportation, trade, and settlement.

Alaska

Motif: A miner with a gold pan and rays of the Northern Lights. Reflecting Alaska’s famous gold rush heritage, this motif also pulls in the natural wonder of the state to emphasize the beauty of the land. The rays represent the aurora borealis above Alaskan mountains, as depicted in the state’s official seal adopted in 1910 and retained at statehood. The miner element ties in with the smelter and mining imagery also present on the seal, capturing Alaska’s centuries-long economic role in mineral extraction and frontier settlement.

Arizona

Motif: A miner and a pickaxe reflecting mining history, with a saguaro cactus. This imagery is meant to honor the mining roots that Arizona has, along with the barren beauty of its desert landscape. The miner and tools reference the 19th-century mining boom for copper, gold, and silver that the state saw and which shaped many of the early towns and economy, while the saguaro cactus visually anchors the entire motif to the state’s unique desert flora and landscape.

Arkansas

Motif: The Angel of Mercy holding a sword and a scroll. Blending compassion and justice, this symbol is a key to the founding ideals of Arkansas. In the current state seal, a figure inscribed “Mary” stands beside a sword inscribed “Justice”, all around a shield and eagle which embodies the balance of these principles in governance. The angel figure underscores the emphasis on mercy and kindness in state symbolism, whereas the sword reflects Arkansas’ commitment to law and order.

California

Motif: The Roman goddess Minerva, symbolizing statehood gained without federal territorial status. The presence of Minerva in the motif symbolizes California's unique entry into the Union as a fully formed state. Minerva appears fully grown on the state seal in reference to this. Surrounding her, a grizzly bear, wheat, grape vines, and shipping imagery illustrate the state’s early agricultural wealth, wildlife, and commercial ambitions. All of this ties the motif into many of California’s foundational industries.

Colorado

Motif: The all-seeing eye inside a triangle. This symbol represents divine guidance and the watchfulness over a state that was founded on lofty ideals. The “Eye of God” enclosed in a triangle with rays of light that are positioned above the shield signifies a higher providence watching over the state’s affairs. The inclusion of miner’s tools, snow-capped mountains, and the motto “Nil Sine Numine” further anchor this motif into Colorado’s identity.

Connecticut

Motif: Three grapevines, linked to early English settlements. This symbolizes the first three colonies, Windsor (established in 1633), Wethersfield (1634), and Hartford (1635) that grew into the original state. These grapevines are placed above the Latin motto “Qui Transtulit Sustinet” which translates to “He Who Transplanted Still Sustains”, acknowledging the roots of Connecticut’s colonial heritage and the settlers’ belief in divine sustenance after transplanting to a new land.

Delaware

Motif: A sheaf of wheat, signifying agricultural heritage. It also signifies Delaware’s long-standing role as a leading farming state. This sheaf of wheat, along with an ear of corn and an ox, represents specifically the agricultural vitality and animal husbandry that the state’s early economy was known for. It also features a sailing ship, reinforcing the idea that trade and shipping complemented farm production as commerce within the state developed.

Florida

Motif: A steamboat with a Seminole woman scattering flowers. This scene is meant to reflect the blend of Native heritage and 19th-century commerce that the state has. Specifically, it merges Florida’s maritime and river commerce through the steamboat, the state’s indigenous roots through the Seminole figure, and the natural beauty of the state via palm trees and the sun’s rays.

Georgia

Motif: Three pillars and a ”Constitution” arch supported by “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation.” These pillars are meant to directly support the three branches of government as guided by the core values of Georgia. More specifically, the arrangement symbolizes both the trial of governing and the ideal of ethical underpinning of the very same process. The arch itself represents strength and support that is provided by the Constitution of the state, turning the entire thing into a visual expression of Georgia’s foundational principles.

Hawai’i

Motif: King Kamehameha I, a rare appearance of a real person. His likeness honors the monarch who unified the Hawaiian Islands and stands as a symbol of leadership, unity, and the islands’ enduring sovereignty. His efforts in the late 18th and early 19th centuries resulted in the consolidation of separate island kingdoms into the unified Hawaiian kingdom, forming a central leadership structure for the land. It stands as a reminder that Hawaii’s identity includes both its indigenous royal past and its status within the U.S.

Idaho

Motif: The only U.S. state seal designed by a woman, Emma Edwards Green in 1891, featuring a miner and female symbolizing justice. The inclusion of the minder is meant to represent labor and the extraction of natural resources, whereas the female figure with scales and a staff serves to highlight the balance between work and law. The historical significance of being the only seal designed by a woman adds an additional layer of importance concreting inclusion and recognition of contributions that Idaho had in its early days.

Illinois

Motif: An eagle holding a banner with “State Sovereignty, National Union.” Capturing the balance between state pride and federal unity, it is arguably one of the more known state motifs. This imagery serves, particularly during the Civil War era, as a reminder of Illinois’ commitment to the broader country. The eagle itself also underscores dual identity as being proud of the state yet part of a larger union.

Indiana

Motif: A sycamore tree and a rising sun, with a bison in the foreground. The imagery depicts the growth of Indiana along with the natural abundance on the frontier at the time of its incorporation as a state. Evoking its pioneer heritage, the rising sun suggests a new beginning for the land as it became a state, with the sycamore serving as a reminder of the enduring natural landscape. Together, they represent both opportunity and the wilderness that land settlers first encountered.

Iowa

Motif: A citizen soldier with a flag, rifle, and a liberty cap. Through the rifle and cap, this motif symbolizes the defense of freedom and the patriotic spirit that the state has. Standing amidst a field of wheat and a lead furnace, though, it also represents both agriculture and mining. This underscores Iowa’s identity both in the context of civic duty and economic enterprise.

Kansas

Motif: A sunflower and a settler’s wagon crossing the plains. Meant to celebrate westward expansion and the agricultural prosperity of Kansas, this motif is unmistakable. The sunflower itself is the official flower of the state, further representing the vast plains and abundant agriculture of the state. The covered wagon, on the other hand, dives deeper and references the state’s role as a gateway for westward migration via trails like the Oregon and Santa Fe routes.

Kentucky

Motif: Two friends — one in buckskin interpreted as a pioneer and one in a suit interpreted as a gentleman — shaking hands. It reflects the unity between a frontier and civilized life, a balance which was often seen in Kentucky’s early history. This imagery is also placed in the middle of the state motto of “United we stand, divided we fall.”, further symbolizing this meshing of frontier ruggedness and social refinement.

Louisiana

Motif: A mother pelican feeding her young with her own blood. The pelican symbolizes self-sacrifice and the care it has for the people of Louisiana, nurturing society even in hardship. This symbol has been used in the state for over a century, and is also a reference to an ancient Christian and heraldic symbol, standing as an emblem of care and resilience.

Maine

Motif: A tall pine tree flanked by a farmer and a seaman. The tree represents Maine’s vast forests and timber industry, while the figures symbolize the state’s dual reliance on agriculture and maritime trade. Together, they reflect the balance of natural resources and human enterprise central to Maine’s identity

Maryland

Motif: Two heraldic figures — a farmer and a fisherman — flank a shield based on the Calvert family coat of arms. The seal honors the colonial founders and coastal livelihood that the natives of the state are proud of. Additionally, the imagery recognizes the state’s origins in proprietary colonial governance as well as its relationship to agriculture and Chesapeake-Bay fishing that defined its economy.

Massachusetts

Motif: A Native American figure with a downward-pointing arrow and the Latin motto, “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem”, meaning “By the sword we seek peace.” The symbolism reflects how the state balanced negotiation and self-protection during the colonial and revolutionary eras, linking liberty and peace through strength.

Michigan

Motif: An elk, moose, and bald eagle together on one shield. The three animals combined signify strength, unity, and the protection of Michigan’s wildlife and natural resources. The elk and moose specifically symbolize the state’s rich northern timberlands and game, whereas the eagle conveys the state's connection to the nation itself and the protection of its resources given the bird's protected status. Together, these symbols evoke the unique combination of wilderness, commerce, and national identity.

Minnesota

Motif: A Native American figure on horseback passing a farmer plowing. The scene signifies the state’s layered history of native presence and later agricultural settlement. By depicting both figures, the motif also acknowledges the preexisting indigenous peoples of the land along with the 19th-century Euro-American farming communities that transformed much of the state’s landscape.

Mississippi

Motif: A bald eagle with a shield, stars, and the motto “In God We Trust.” The eagle imagery signs Mississippi with national symbols of patriotism and federal unity. Further, the shield, stars, and motto itself emphasize trust, faith, and the state’s place in the country, all while reflecting the common 19th-century heraldic language that was used by many states.

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Missouri

Motif: Two grizzly bears supporting a circular shield. These bears symbolize bravery and strength, particularly in reference to protecting the sovereignty of Missouri. Framing a central shield, the bears also point to the frontier character of the state at its founding and the imagery as a whole emphasizes feelings of vigilance, courage, and stewardship at the heart of the state’s interests.

Montana

Motif: A plow, pick, and shovel with the motto “Oro y Plata.” The agricultural and mining tools point to the state’s primary historical economics of farming and ranching along with mineral extraction. “Oro y Plata” is also a Spanish motto that means “Gold and Silver”, further highlighting the central importance of mining to Montana’s settlement and economic development in the 19th-century.

Nebraska

Motif: A blacksmith with hammer and anvil, symbolizing industry and labor. This motif emphasizes the hard work that was required to build up Nebraska’s economy. Surrounded by other agricultural motifs on the seal, it also strikes a balance between farming, trade, and skilled labor that were seen in the state’s early days.

Nevada

Motif: A silver miner and quartz mill with sun rising over snowy mountains. The scene is meant to showcase Nevada’s lengthy mining legacy and bright future. Specifically, the mountainous backdrop and sunrise suggest both the rugged terrain where the mining in the state took place along with the promise of prosperity that helped drive settlers West.

New Hampshire

Motif: The warship USS Raleigh. This ship honors the shipbuilding history of the state as well as its role in the Revolutionary War. The USS Raleigh also happened to be one of the first U.S. naval vessels built in the state, further emphasizing its importance to the state’s maritime craftsmanship and early patriotic service.

New Jersey

Motif: Two female figures — Liberty and Ceres — flank a blue shield. Liberty personifies freedom and the Republican government, whereas Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, represents abundance and the farming heritage of the state. Together, they capture the dual economic and civic character that New Jersey is known for: productive land and an unwavering commitment to liberty.

New Mexico

Motif: An American eagle shielding a Mexican eagle. This symbol represents the blending of Native, Spanish, and American heritage that is reflective in the state. By showing a protective relationship between the two eagles, the motif also acknowledges the layered cultural, legal, and territorial transitions that shaped the state.

New York

Motif: Liberty and Justice support a shield with a mountain sunrise. Liberty and Justice personify core civic ideals of the state, including freedom and fair governance, while the rising sun suggests hope, renewal, and even the varied geography of the state. All of this combined represents the aspiration of balancing individual rights, rule of law, and opportunity that New York has become known for.

North Carolina

Motif: Goddesses Liberty and Plenty, each holding symbolic items. Reflecting freedom and abundance as well, these ideas are central to the identity of the state. Liberty is featured with a pole and cap, representing civil rights, while Penty symbolizes abundance via a cornucopia, acknowledging both the political ideals and economic resources of North Carolina.

North Dakota

Motif: A tree and sheaf of wheat amid agricultural symbols. This honors the state’s foundation in farming, especially grain farming, and its natural prairie resources. It underscores the central role of farming, settlement, and resource use that was required to develop the state in its early days.

Ohio

Motif: A sheaf of wheat and a bundle of arrows in front of a rising sun. This combination pays homage to peace, agriculture, and process. The wheat specifically signifies agriculture and abundance, the arrows symbolize readiness and defense, and the rising sun denotes the progress towards new beginnings. All in, it reflects Ohio’s importance as a breadbasket and its civil vitality while growing as a state throughout the 19th century.

Oklahoma

Motif: A five-pointed star, each point representing a Native Nation. Paying tribute to the Indigenous heritage of Oklahoma, this motif sits at the heart of the state’s story. In broader state symbolism, the star also echoes unity and the blending of cultures that characterize the heritage of the state.

Oregon

Motif: A covered wagon heading west, flanked by mountains. The motif is meant to commemorate the pioneer spirit and journey towards new opportunities that the state’s people are known for. Specifically, it commemorates the opening of the Pacific Northwest to settlement. It also evokes memories of the state’s landscape and the perseverance that was required of settlers.

Pennsylvania

Motif: A ship on water with a plow and sheaf of wheat. The trio highlight commerce, agriculture, and hard work. These elements together emphasize Pennsylvania’s diverse economic base from colonial times onward, including ports, farms, and early industrial enterprise.

Rhode Island

Motif: An anchor below the word “Hope.” The anchor and message are meant to stand for steadfast faith and optimism. Rooted in Rhode Island's seafaring and religious-freedom origins, the motif has become something of a compact expression of resilience and aspiration.

South Carolina

Motif: The palmetto tree symbolizes South Carolina’s resilience and victory during the Revolutionary War. It stands tall over a fallen oak, representing the defeat of the British fleet at the 1776 Battle of Sullivan’s Island, where the fort’s palmetto-log walls absorbed cannonball impacts from the oak-built British ships.

South Dakota

Motif: A river steamboat surrounded by agriculture and industry. The steamboat points to river commerce that ended up opening the region to trade and settlement. Celebrating progress through trade, natural resources, and industry, this motif is another well-known one in the United States.

Tennessee

Motif: Roman numerals “XVI” denoting its order of statehood. While simple, this motif shows Tennessee's pride in being the 16th state in the country.

Texas

Motif: A Lone five-pointed star encircled by olive and live oak branches. The “Lone Star” signifies Texas’s independent spirit and history as a republic, while the olive and live oak branches symbolize pace and strength. All combined, these items symbolize independence, strength, and peace, further reflecting Texas’s enduring identity as the “Lone Star State.”

Utah

Motif: A beehive and Sego lily, symbols of industry and peace. The beehive represents cooperative labor and community industry, which is a key Mormon pioneer ideal, whereas the Sego lily symbolizes peace and survival given that its bulbs were historically used as food. The imagery reflects Utah’s inherent values of hard work and harmony.

Vermont

Motif: A sheaf of wheat, a cow, and a pine tree — classic rural iconography. These elements highlight the agricultural and natural beauty of Vermont. Together, they underline the state’s rural character, self-sufficiency, and reliance on timber and farming.

Virginia

Motif: Roman goddess Virtus standing over a fallen tyrant. Celebrating victory of oppression and the triumph of liberty, Virginia’s motif is one of the most powerful of all. The image dramatizes independence from oppression and honors the leadership that Virginia had during the Revolutionary War era, along with its legacy of military and civic virtue.

Washington

Motif: The portrait of George Washington — the only state with the face of a president. Using his likeness honors the state’s namesake and the leadership that he represented. The portrait itself emphasizes ideals of integrity and national leadership while also distinguishing the state visually through its direct reference to the first president.

West Virginia

Motif: Two frontiersmen with crossed rifles amid a rock inscribed “June 20, 1863.” The date marks statehood during the Civil War and the spirit of Independence. The image also further evokes frontier resilience, the contested political moment of statehood, and the rugged individualism of the region.

Wisconsin

Motif: Tools and symbols of industry with a badger above the shield. The seal honors labor, mining, and the industrious spirit of Wisconsin. The badger itself references the early lead miners, many of whom were nicknamed badgers, further celebrating labor.

Wyoming

Motif: A woman holding an “Equal Rights” banner between a miner and a stockman. It commemorates Wyoming’s status as the first state to grant women the right to vote. By placing a female allegory of equal rights between male symbols of labor and ranching, the imagery further foregrounds the state’s early commitments to gender equality.

This story was produced by ThatsThem and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.