Illinois State Seal

The Great Seal of the State of Illinois, depicted on the state's flag, holds historical significance and symbolism. Adopted in 1869, the seal features an eagle perched on a shield with the state motto, "State Sovereignty, National Union," and the dates 1818 and 1868, representing Illinois's statehood and the seal's redesign year. The flag, introduced in 1915 and modified in 1970 to include the word "Illinois," displays the seal on a white background. The seal's design is based on the Great Seal of the United States, with an eagle grasping a banner in its beak. It holds 13 stars and stripes symbolizing the original states, and "Sovereignty" is presented upside-down, reflecting a twist by its designer, Sharon Tyndale. Illinois is one of ten U.S. states to feature an eagle on its flag alongside other states like Iowa and New York. Over the years, Illinois had centennial and sesquicentennial flags, and its bicentennial logo in 2017 featured a silhouette of the state with the years 1818 and 2018 surrounded by 21 stars. A possible redesign is currently under consideration, with the Illinois Flag Commission exploring new flag designs for the state.