The Indiana state seal identifies government buildings and officials. The symbolism, history and emblems of the seal are described below with fast facts and information.
The Territory of the United States Northwest of the River Ohio (the Old Northwest) covered more than 260,000 square miles and consisted of the modern states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, as well as northeastern Minnesota. The first recorded use of The seal of the Northwest Territory (the Old Northwest) was in a proclamation made on July 26, 1788. Congress passed legislation on May 8, 1792, that directed the U.S. Secretary of State to "provide proper seals for the several and respective public offices in the said Territories". The Great Indiana state seal was introduced when the state was admitted to the Union.
The sun rising over the horizon represents that Indiana has a bright future ahead and is just beginning.
The sun is depicted rising over the Allegheny Mountains showing that Indiana is in the west.
The woodsman represents civilization subduing the wilderness that was Indiana.
The buffalo represents the wilderness fleeing westward away from the advancing civilization.
The ground has shoots of bluegrass, in the area of the buffalo and woodsman.
This is an Indiana flyer showing the 1876 design of the seal. The pictures demonstrate the importance of agriculture and the pioneering spirit to the economy in the 1800's. The covered wagon pays tribute to the early settlers who travelled west across the state in search of a new life and opportunities.