Iowa State Seal

The Great Seal of the State of Iowa, created in 1847, one year after Iowa became a U.S. state, is a significant emblem that encapsulates the state's historical and agricultural heritage. The seal depicts a citizen soldier standing in a wheat field, embodying the volunteer soldiers from Iowa during the Mexican-American War. The soldier holds the American flag and a liberty cap, symbolizing freedom and independence. The scene also includes a lead furnace and pile of pig lead, representing early lead mining in the Dubuque region. The Mississippi River flows in the background, signifying its importance as a transportation route during Iowa's early days. An eagle overhead bears the state motto, "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain." While the seal wasn't universally loved when introduced, it remains a testament to Iowa's history and values, with its symbolism deeply rooted in the state's past.