The great seal of the state of Wisconsin is a seal used by the Wisconsin secretary of state to authenticate all the governor's official acts, except laws. thumb | right | Seal of Wisconsin (1851-1881)
Design
It consists of the state coat of arms, with the words "Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin" above it and 13 stars, representing the original states, below it.
- Top:
- Forward, the state motto
- A badger, the state animal
- Center:
- Top left: A plow, representing agriculture and farming
- Top right: A pick and shovel, representing mining
- Bottom left: An arm-and-hammer, representing manufacturing
- Bottom right: An anchor, representing navigation
- Center: The U.S. coat of arms, including the motto E pluribus unum
- The shield is supported by a sailor and a miner, representing labor on water and land
The secretary of state of Wisconsin is the keeper of Wisconsin's great seal. The seal is displayed in all courtrooms in the state, often alongside the county seal.
History
The first seal of Wisconsin was developed in 1836, when the Wisconsin Territory was organized. the territorial rendition of the seal depicted a white farmer on a field, in the foreground, with a displaced Native American holding a bow further back; it also depicted a steamboat (in the Mississippi River) and a schooner. It also rendered a future state capitol building of Wisconsin, which was not used when the Wisconsin State Capitol was designed and constructed. It was last redesigned in 1881.