California State Seal

The Great Seal of the State of California, adopted at the 1849 Constitutional Convention and standardized in 1937, features key elements symbolizing the state's history and identity. It includes Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, representing California's unique birth as a state; a California grizzly bear feeding on grape vines, signifying wine production; a sheaf of grain for agriculture; a miner representing the Gold Rush and mining industry; and sailing ships for economic power. The state motto "Eureka," meaning "I have found it" in Greek, is prominently featured. While originally designed by Robert S. Garnett and engraved by Albert Kuner, it was introduced at the convention by Caleb Lyon due to military-civil friction, with Garnett's approval. Garnett later served as a Confederate general in the Civil War.