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occupied with the representation of a map, embracing the names and localities of the principal rivers and towns, as they existed at the time when the territorial government was established, 1817, A portion of East Florida, embracing the line of surface as far as Pensacola, is included in the map, as also a small portion of Tennessee, sufficient to show the boundaries on either side. Around the circle, between two parallel lines, are the words, in Roman capitals, "Alabama. Execu

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tive office."

ADMITTED INTO THE UNION,

MAINE.

DIRIGO

A white or silver shield, on which is represented a pine-tree, with a moose-deer recumbent at its base-emblematical of the valuable timber of the State, and of the security and repose enjoyed by the animals which range its immense forests. The "supporters" are a mariner resting on his anchor, and a husbandman with his scythe-denoting that commerce and agriculture are each primary resources of the State. Above the shield is the North Star, beneath which is the motto, Dirigo -"I direct;" and under the shield is the name of the State, in Roman capitals; while sea and land compose the foreground. On the left, the tall masts of a ship are perceptible in the distance, the sails spread, denoting a readiness for commercial enterprise

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ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1820.

MISSOURI.

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On a circular shield, equally divided by a perpendicular line, is a red field on the right side, in which is the white or grizzly bear of Missouri. Above, separated by a wavy or curved line, is a white or silver crescent, in an azure field. On the left, on a white field, are the arms of the United States. A band surrounds the escutcheon, on which are the words, "United we stand, divided we fall." For the crest, over a yellow or golden helmet, full faced and grated with six bars, is a silver star; and above it, a constellation of twenty-three smaller stars. The supporters are two grizzly bears, standing on a scroll inscribed, Salus populi suprema lex esto" The public safety is the supreme law." Underneath are the numerals MDCCCXX., and around the circle the words, "The Great Seal of the State of Micsouri."

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ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1821.

a shield, near the base of which is a white star on a blue field, representing the State. In the middle portion is a bee-hive, signifying industry, and a plough, denoting agriculture; while a steamboat, emblematic of commerce, fills the upper part. For the crest, the goddess of liberty is represented with her wand and cap in one hand, and a wreath of laurel in the other, surrounded by a constellation of stars, indicating the States. The supporters two eagles, one grasping a bundle of arrows, and the other an olive branch; a label extending from the claw of each, with the motto Regnant Populi-"The People rule." On either side. of the base is a cornucopia, and around the circle which encloses the the whole are the words, "Seal of the State of Arkansas."

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ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1836.

MICHIGAN.

On an escutcheon in the centre of a white field is the representation of a peninsula extending into a lake, a man with his gun, and the rising sun. On the upper part is the word Tucbor-"I will defend it ;" and on a label extending across the lower part is the motto, Si quarris peninsulam amanam circumspice-"If you seek a delightful country (peninsula), behold it." The supporters are a common deer on the right, and a moose on the left, both abounding in the forests of Michigan. For the crest, is the American eagle; above which, on a label waving above all, is the motto, E Pluribus Unum. Around the outer circle, between two parallel lines, are the words, "The Great Seal of the State of Michigan, A. D. MDCCCXXXVII."

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SIQUARIS-PENINSULAM-AMENAN
CIRCUMSPICE

ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1837.

FLORIDA.

The seal which was originally used for the territory of Florida, although not formally adopted as that of the State, has been continued ever since, and of course retains all its legal force. In the centre of a circular white or silver field is represented the American eagle, "the bird of liberty," grasping the emblem of peace, an olive branch, in its left talon; and in its right a bundle of three arrows, significant of the three principal reliances of good government-the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Above are arranged in a semi-circle thirteen stars. emblematic of the thirteen original states, and below, the ground is represented as covered with the prickly pear, s fruit common to the country, and for which an appropriate motto would be, "Let us live."

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ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1845.

literally independent or isolated existence previous to its admission into the Union. During its struggle with Mexico, it adopted as an official seal a white or silver star of five points on an azure field, encircled by branches of the live oak and olive. Around the outer circle were the words, "Republic of Texas" in Roman capital letters. With the exception of the words around the margin, which is now blank, except the word "Texas" in the upper half-circle, the former seal has been adopted since by the State. The live oak (quercus virens), which abounds in the forests

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of Texas, ie a strong and durable timber, much used in ship-building,

and forming an important article of export.

IOWA.

The new seal of Iowa has in the foreground a citizen upholding with one hand the national flag with the cap of liberty at the top of the staff, while he holds in the other hand his trusty rifle. Behind him, and at his right side, are the implements of agriculture, the plough, the cradle, etc. In the middle ground are a sheaf of wheat, with the broad wheatfield extending far to the rear, and on the left is a pile of timber, indicative of the forest wealth of the State, and a plain but commodious dwelling showing the recency of its settlement. In the background, beyond the wide prairie, a large steamboat is plying upon the river. The legend extending above and around the whole is "Our Liberties we prize, and our Rights we will maintain."

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ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1846,

WISCONSIN.

FORWARD

A large portion of the field is occupied by land and water scenery, denoting the agricultural, commercial, and mining interests of the State. In the foreground is a man ploughing with a span of horses; in the middle is a pile of lead in bars, a barrel, a rake, a sheaf of wheat, an anchor, and a cornucopia. Lakes Michigan and Superior are represented, with a sloop on the former, and a steam boat on the latter, towards which an Indian on the shore is pointing. In the distance is a level prairie, skirted by a range of woodland-a light-house and school-house on the left, and the State-house in the centre. ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1847 In a semi-circle above are the words, Civilitas successit Barbarum"Civilization has succeeded Barbarism." At the bottom is the date when a territorial government was formed, "Fourth of July, 1836;' and around the whole are the words "The Great Seal of the Territory Wisconsin which has not yet been changed.

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is seated on a rock, near the bank of an extensive bay or river, which winds its course among the majestic mountains on either side. Her spear is grasped in the right hand, while the left rests on the top of her shield by her side, near which is a grizzly bear, significant of the snwy region round about. On the right is a hardy miner with his pick, seeking the golden treasures secreted among the rocks. Along the centre is seen a majestic bay, with two clippers in full view, indicating that commerce is one of the chief reliances of the people Above the snowcovered mountains, which bound the view, is the Greek word Eureka"I have found."

MINNESOTA.

The seal of this State represents the peculiar circumstances under which it was originally settled, when the white man first undertook to convert its comparative deserts into productive agricultural fields. In the distance, an Indian is seen mounted on a swift steed, rotresting from the haunts where he had long been accustomed to enjoy unmolested the sports of the chase, and to roam uninterruptedly amidst his native forests. In the foreground is seen the new settler, preparing for his future subsistence by turning up the furrow, preparatory to sowing seed for the harvest. His gun and ammunition are lying behind him, ready to repel the assaults of Bavage foes, to which he is constantly exposed. The motto, L'Etoile du Nord, (the Star of the North,) is expressive of the bright future which this State is destined to realize.

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ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1857.

OREGON.

The emblems on the shield in the centre of the circular ground, are indicative of the advantages to be derived from a wild and mountainous country, through the medium of commerce, which are symbolized by the range of mountains depicted in the lower, and by the ship occupying the upper portion of the escutcheon. The right supporter is a representative of that unfortunate race who once entirely pos sessed the country, but who have been compelled to yield their heritage in part to the power of that enterprising people whose emblem is the eagle, here used as the left supporter. The crest, a beaver, denotes the sort of trade which formerly distinguished the inhabitanta of this region.

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ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1858.

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The simple device adopted for this ter ritory is sufficiently expressive, and requires no lengthened explanation of what it is intended to symbolize. The beehive, in all ages, has been regarded as the emblem of industry, and the position in which it is here represented, as resting on a substantial foundation, implies that it is the certain harbinger of success in every important undertaking. The representations of vegetation in the background, imply that these productions of the soil are to be obtained by well-applied skill and industry, and upon these are the peo

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ple to rely for a prosperous future. Perhaps, if we take into consider stion the social condition of the original settlers of this territory, the bee-hive may be regarded as significant of the unity of interests at that ime predominant. The dates at the top and bottom indicate the first formation of a territorial government.

This seal displays the characteristics of the settlers who have adopted this territory as their future home. Representatives of the two principal classes of people (agricultural and mechanical) are seen in the act of upholding the Constitution, over which the American flag is gathered, in token of its care and protection. The steamboat, seen in the distance on the right, indicates that the State possesses many resources for extensive commerce, which may be materially aided by railroads and other internal improvements, which are shadowed out on the left. The

NEBRASKA

SOVEREIGNTY

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plow and the anvil re emblems of the immense agricultural and mineral advantages which abound in every direction, and whose developement is certain to secure for this territory an eminent degree of wealth and prosperity. The motto, "Popular Sovereignty," expresses the will of the people to govern themselves, and is only the embodiment of a sentiment almost universally prevalent.

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