What is the primary function of the Great Seal of North Carolina?

The Great Seal of North Carolina is primarily used to authenticate official documents issued by the government of North Carolina, ensuring their legitimacy and authority.

Which two allegorical figures are depicted on the Great Seal of North Carolina?

The Great Seal of North Carolina depicts two women, one symbolizing liberty, representing freedom and independence, and the other representing prosperity, signifying abundance and economic well-being.

When was the Great Seal of North Carolina initially adopted, and when were its design and modifications standardized?

The Great Seal was initially adopted in 1794. Its design was officially standardized on April 8, 1971, and further modifications were made to its present form in 1983.

What is the motto of North Carolina, and what does it mean?

The motto of North Carolina is the Latin phrase 'Esse quam videri,' which literally translates to 'To be rather than to seem.' This motto emphasizes authenticity, integrity, and substance over mere outward appearance.

What is the specified diameter of the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina according to state law?

According to an act passed by the North Carolina General Assembly, the state seal is legally defined to be two and one-quarter inches in diameter.

How is the figure of Liberty specifically described in the legal definition of the North Carolina state seal?

The figure of Liberty, which is the first figure on the seal, is depicted standing. She holds a pole with a cap on it in her left hand and a scroll inscribed with the word 'Constitution' in her right hand, symbolizing the state's foundational legal document.

How is the figure of Plenty specifically described in the legal definition of the North Carolina state seal?

The figure of Plenty, the second figure on the seal, is shown sitting down. Her right arm is half-extended toward Liberty, she holds three heads of grain in her right hand, and in her left hand, she holds the small end of her horn, with the mouth resting at her feet and its contents rolling out. This horn is a cornucopia, a traditional symbol of abundance and agricultural wealth.

What natural landscape feature is included in the background of the North Carolina state seal?

The background of the seal contains a depiction of mountains that run from the left to the right towards the middle of the seal, representing the state's diverse geography, which includes the Appalachian Mountains.

What maritime element is featured on the North Carolina state seal?

A side view of a three-masted ship is located on the ocean and to the right of the figure of Plenty, symbolizing North Carolina's coastal heritage and maritime trade.

What specific date is inscribed across the top of the North Carolina state seal?

The date 'May 20, 1775' appears within the seal and across its top. This date refers to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, a document that some historians believe declared independence from Great Britain in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

What phrase is inscribed at the bottom perimeter of the North Carolina state seal?

The Latin words 'esse quam videri' appear at the bottom around the perimeter of the seal, serving as the state's official motto.

What restrictions are placed on additional elements appearing on the North Carolina state seal?

State law explicitly states that no other words, figures, or embellishments shall appear on the seal, ensuring a precise and consistent design as defined by the General Assembly.

What does the image of the state seal on a plaque at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park represent?

The source material includes an image showing the state seal displayed on a plaque located at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, indicating its presence at a significant historical site commemorating a Revolutionary War battle.

When was the Province of Carolina established as a British colony, and what type of seal did it adopt?

The Province of Carolina was established as a British colony in 1663 and adopted a two-sided seal to represent its authority.

Describe the reverse side of the original Province of Carolina seal.

The reverse side of the Province of Carolina seal depicts the cross of England, a red cross on a white background, surrounded by the individual coats of arms of each lord proprietor of Carolina, who were the original owners of the colony.

What change did the Government of Albemarle make to its seal?

The Government of Albemarle made a single change to the adopted reverse side of the colony's seal: it added the name 'ALBEMARLE' around the edge of the seal to identify its specific jurisdiction.

What does the image identified as the Seal of the Province of Carolina illustrate?

The source material includes an image identified as the Seal of the Province of Carolina, which visually represents the historical emblem used when Carolina was a British colony.

What does the image identified as the Seal of the Government of Albemarle illustrate?

The source material includes an image labeled as the Seal of the Government of Albemarle, showcasing the specific emblem adopted by that governmental body within the colonial Province of Carolina.

When did the North Carolina Colony receive its own seal after the separation of the Province of Carolina?

After the Province of Carolina separated into two distinct colonies, the new North Carolina Colony was without a seal until February 3, 1730, when the Board of Trade recommended its creation to the King of Great Britain.

Who approved the design for the North Carolina Colony seal in February 1730?

The King of Great Britain approved a seal design for the North Carolina Colony later in February 1730, following the recommendation from the Board of Trade, thereby establishing an official emblem for the colony.

What Latin phrase was inscribed at the bottom of the 1730-1767 North Carolina Colony seal, and what was its meaning?

The bottom of the seal featured the phrase 'QUÆ SERA TAMEN RESPEXIT,' which translates to 'which though late, looked upon me,' possibly referring to the colony's eventual recognition or prosperity.

What was depicted on the reverse side of the North Carolina Colony seal from 1730 to 1767?

The reverse side of the seal depicted the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, representing the British monarchy's authority and sovereignty over the colony.

What do the image captions for the 1730-1767 and later colonial seals illustrate?

The source material provides images titled 'Seal of the Colony of North Carolina (1730–1767, obverse)' and 'Seal of the Colony of North Carolina (1730–1767, reverse),' along with 'Seal of the Colony of North Carolina (obverse)' and 'Seal of the Colony of North Carolina (reverse),' showcasing the various designs of the colonial seals used during different periods.

When was the first seal of the U.S. state of North Carolina adopted?

The first seal for the U.S. state of North Carolina was adopted in 1779, following the state's declaration of independence from Great Britain.

Who were the individuals assigned to commission the first state seal for North Carolina?

Prior to its adoption, William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and Thomas Burke were assigned the task of commissioning a seal for the newly formed state, playing a role in its early symbolic representation.

Who was the silversmith that began work on the first state seal in 1778?

In 1778, a silversmith named William Tisdale began the work of creating the first official state seal, contributing his craft to the state's nascent identity.

What temporary seal was used by the governor of North Carolina before the official state seal was completed?

Before the official state seal was finished, the governor of North Carolina utilized a private seal for official purposes, serving as a provisional emblem.

Describe the obverse side of North Carolina's first state seal, used from 1779 to 1794.

The obverse side of this seal depicts a woman wearing a Roman helmet, holding a stick with a Phrygian cap in one hand and a paper inscribed with 'CONSTITUTION' in her other hand. The Phrygian cap is a symbol of liberty, and the constitution represents the rule of law.

What Latin phrase was included on the obverse side of the 1779-1794 state seal, and what was its meaning?

Below the woman on the obverse side was the phrase 'IN LEGIBUS SALUS,' which means 'in laws there is safety,' emphasizing the importance of legal order and protection.

Describe the reverse side of North Carolina's first state seal, used from 1779 to 1794.

The reverse side of this seal depicts a woman herding cattle, a scene that likely symbolized the agricultural prosperity and pastoral nature of the state at the time.

What inscription was found on the reverse side of the 1779-1794 state seal, and what did it signify?

Below the woman herding cattle, the inscription 'INDEPENDENCE MDCCLXXVI' appeared, signifying the year 1776, when the United States declared its independence, marking a pivotal moment in American history.

What do the image captions for the 1779-1794 state seals illustrate?

The source material includes images titled 'Seal of North Carolina (1779–1794, obverse)' and 'Seal of North Carolina (1779–1794, reverse),' showing the design of the state's first seal after it gained independence.

When was the current design of the Great Seal of North Carolina adopted?

The current seal of North Carolina was adopted in 1794, establishing a long-standing design for the state's official emblem.

Why was the state seal officially standardized in 1971?

The state seal was officially standardized in 1971 because the state's chief deputy attorney general discovered that multiple versions of the seal were in use, necessitating a single, consistent design to avoid confusion and maintain official integrity.

Who proposed the addition of the date April 12, 1776, to the seal, and when was this modification approved?

In 1983, state senator Julian R. Allsbrook proposed adding the date April 12, 1776, to the seal, which was subsequently approved by the state legislature, thereby incorporating another significant historical date.

What historical event does the date April 12, 1776, commemorate on the North Carolina seal?

The date April 12, 1776, commemorates the Halifax Resolves, a significant event where North Carolina became the first colony to officially call for independence from Great Britain, predating the national Declaration of Independence.

Besides the state seal, what other prominent North Carolina symbol features both May 20, 1775, and April 12, 1776?

Both the date May 20, 1775, and April 12, 1776, are also featured on the flag of North Carolina, highlighting their importance as key historical markers in the state's journey to independence.

What common artistic detail in historical depictions of the seal is not legally mandated?

Many historical depictions of the seal frequently include a brick wall positioned behind one of the women, a detail that is not described or required by law, indicating an artistic interpretation rather than an official design element.

What does the image titled 'North Carolina state historical coat of arms (illustrated, 1876)' represent?

The source material includes an illustration from 1876 depicting the historical coat of arms of North Carolina, offering a visual record of its past design and heraldic elements.

What does the image titled 'Seal of North Carolina depicted on the reverse of Series 1882BB National Bank Notes' describe?

The source material shows the Seal of North Carolina as it was depicted on the reverse side of Series 1882BB National Bank Notes, indicating its use on currency during that period.

What does the image titled 'Depiction of the seal from 1800' illustrate?

The source material provides a depiction of the North Carolina seal from the year 1800, offering a historical view of its appearance shortly after its adoption as the state's official emblem.

What does the image titled 'Depiction of the seal from 1879' show?

The source material includes an image illustrating the North Carolina seal as it appeared in 1879, providing another historical snapshot of its design during the late 19th century.

What does the image titled 'Seal of North Carolina depicted on a tobacco trading card, 1879' describe?

The source material features an image of the Seal of North Carolina as it was depicted on a tobacco trading card from 1879, showcasing its use in commercial and popular culture beyond official government documents.

What does the image titled 'Depiction of the seal from 1918' represent?

The source material includes a depiction of the North Carolina seal from 1918, offering a historical example of its design from that period, prior to its standardization.

What does the image titled 'The seal after the 1971 standardization' illustrate?

The source material provides an image showing the North Carolina seal after its standardization in 1971, highlighting the design that was officially adopted to ensure uniformity across all official uses.

What does the image titled 'The current seal after 1983' represent?

The source material includes an image illustrating the current North Carolina seal, reflecting the design that was finalized after the modifications made in 1983, which included the addition of the Halifax Resolves date.

Seal Of North Carolina Wiki: The Tar Heel Emblem: Unveiling North Carolina's Great Seal

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What is the Seal?

An Official State Insignia

The Great Seal of North Carolina serves as the official emblem used to authenticate critical documents issued by the government of North Carolina. It is a powerful symbol of the state's sovereignty and its foundational principles. The seal's design encapsulates key values and historical moments that have shaped North Carolina's identity.

Figures of Liberty and Plenty

Central to the seal's iconography are two allegorical female figures: Liberty and Plenty. These figures, positioned facing each other, embody the ideals of freedom and prosperity, which are cornerstones of the state's ethos. The seal was initially adopted in 1794, underwent standardization in 1971, and received its most recent modifications in 1983 to reflect significant historical dates.

The State Motto

Encircling the bottom perimeter of the seal is the state motto, "Esse quam videri." This Latin phrase translates to "To be rather than to seem," a profound statement emphasizing authenticity and substance over mere appearance. This philosophical underpinning guides the state's self-perception and public image.

Current Design

Legal Specifications

The design of the Great Seal is precisely defined by an act passed by the North Carolina General Assembly on April 8, 1971, with subsequent amendments in 1983. This legal definition ensures consistency and preserves the intended symbolism of the emblem.

The seal is specified to be two and one-quarter inches in diameter. Its design features the figures of Liberty and Plenty, looking toward each other, though not more than half-fronting each other. Their specific dispositions are as follows:

Liberty: The first figure, standing, holds a pole with a cap on it in her left hand. In her right hand, she holds a scroll inscribed with the word "Constitution."
Plenty: The second figure, sitting down, extends her right arm half-way toward Liberty. She holds three heads of grain in her right hand, and in her left, the small end of her horn, the mouth of which rests at her feet, with its contents rolling out.

The background of the seal includes a depiction of mountains stretching from the left to the right, reaching the middle of the seal. A side view of a three-masted ship is located on the ocean, to the right of Plenty. The date "May 20, 1775" appears within the seal and across its top, while the words "esse quam videri" are inscribed at the bottom around the perimeter. No other words, figures, or embellishments are permitted on the seal.^[1]^[2]

Significant Dates

The seal prominently features two dates of immense historical importance to North Carolina:

May 20, 1775: This date commemorates the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, a document that, according to tradition, declared independence from Great Britain in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, over a year before the national Declaration.
April 12, 1776: Added in 1983, this date marks the Halifax Resolves, a resolution adopted by North Carolina that empowered its delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence from Great Britain. These two dates are also featured on the Flag of North Carolina.^[8]^[9]^[10]

Historical Evolution

A Legacy of Change

The Great Seal of North Carolina has undergone several transformations throughout its history, reflecting the changing political landscape and evolving identity of the region, from a British colony to an independent state. Each iteration tells a story of governance and self-determination.

The journey of North Carolina's official seal began with the establishment of the Province of Carolina in 1663, leading through various colonial designs, and culminating in the statehood seals that represent its independence and modern identity.

Era	Key Dates	Notable Features
Colonial Province	1663	Two-sided seal: Obverse with cornucopias, Indians, deer; Reverse with Cross of England and proprietor arms.
Albemarle Government	1665	Adopted the reverse side of the colonial seal, adding "ALBEMARLE" around the edge.
North Carolina Colony	1730	Obverse: King George II, Liberty (Phrygian cap), Prosperity (cornucopia), ship, motto "QUÆ SERA TAMEN RESPEXIT". Reverse: Coat of arms of the United Kingdom.
North Carolina Colony Update	1767	King George II replaced by King George III; Liberty moved behind the king; Prosperity depicted kneeling.
First State Seal	1779	Obverse: Woman in Roman helmet, Phrygian cap, scroll "CONSTITUTION", motto "IN LEGIBUS SALUS". Reverse: Woman herding cattle, "INDEPENDENCE MDCCLXXVI".
Current Seal Authorization	1794	Authorized by the General Assembly in 1792, depicting Liberty and Plenty as seen today.
Standardization	1971	Official standardization of the seal's design due to multiple versions being in use.
Modern Modification	1983	Addition of the date "April 12, 1776" to complement "May 20, 1775".

Colonial Seals

Province of Carolina (1663)

Upon its establishment as a British colony in 1663, the Province of Carolina adopted a distinctive two-sided seal. The obverse side featured a crest with two crossed cornucopias on a shield, flanked by two Native Americans, with a deer positioned atop a knight's helmet above the shield. The reverse side displayed the cross of England, surrounded by the arms of each lord proprietor of Carolina.^[3]^[4]

Government of Albemarle (1665)

When the Government of Albemarle was organized within the colony in 1665, it adopted the reverse side of the Province of Carolina's seal as its official emblem. The only modification made was the addition of the name "ALBEMARLE" around the edge of the seal, signifying its specific jurisdiction.^[3]^[5]

North Carolina Colony (1730-1767)

Following the separation of the Province of Carolina into two distinct colonies, the new North Carolina Colony required its own seal. In February 1730, King George II approved a new design. The obverse depicted the North Carolina coastline, with King George II on his throne flanked by two women: one representing liberty, holding a stick with a Phrygian cap, and the other representing prosperity, holding a cornucopia. A ship sailed towards the coastline. The bottom of the seal bore the phrase "QUÆ SERA TAMEN RESPEXIT," meaning "which though late, looked upon me." The reverse side featured the Coat of arms of the United Kingdom.^[3]^[6]

North Carolina Colony Update (1767)

In 1767, the seal of the North Carolina Colony was updated to reflect the change in monarchy. King George II was replaced by King George III. The figure representing liberty was repositioned behind the king, and the woman with the cornucopia, symbolizing prosperity, was depicted in a kneeling posture. The reverse side of the seal was also updated to correspond with the new King of Great Britain.^[3]

Statehood Seals

The First State Seal (1779-1794)

The first seal for the independent U.S. state of North Carolina was adopted in 1779. A commission, including William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and Thomas Burke, was tasked with its creation. Silversmith William Tisdale began work on the seal in 1778. Until its completion, the governor used a private seal. The obverse side of this first state seal depicted a woman wearing a Roman helmet, holding a stick with a Phrygian cap and a paper inscribed "CONSTITUTION." Below her was the Latin phrase "IN LEGIBUS SALUS," meaning "in laws there is safety." The reverse side featured a woman herding cattle, with "INDEPENDENCE MDCCLXXVI" inscribed below.^[3]^[5]^[4]

The Current Seal (1794-Present)

The design that largely forms the basis of the current Great Seal of North Carolina was adopted in 1794, following authorization by the North Carolina General Assembly in January 1792.^[3]^[4] This seal introduced the figures of Liberty and Plenty in a configuration similar to what is seen today.

In 1971, the state seal was officially standardized after the state's chief deputy attorney general discovered inconsistencies and multiple versions in use.^[7] Further modifications were made in 1983 when state senator Julian R. Allsbrook proposed adding the date April 12, 1776, commemorating the Halifax Resolves, to the seal. This proposal was approved, resulting in the current version that includes both May 20, 1775, and April 12, 1776.^[8] Historically, some depictions of the seal have included a brick wall behind one of the women, though this detail is not explicitly described by law.

Government Seals

Other Official Emblems

Beyond the Great Seal, various departments and offices within the North Carolina government utilize their own distinct seals to signify their authority and official capacity. These seals often incorporate elements of the state's symbolism while reflecting the specific functions of their respective entities.

Examples of other government seals in North Carolina include:

Seal of the Governor of North Carolina
Seal of the Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives
Seal of the North Carolina National Guard
Seal of the North Carolina Board of Education
Seal of the North Carolina Department of Correction
Seal of the North Carolina Department of Transportation
Seal of the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Seal of North Carolina Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official government information. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official state government publications, legal documents, or historical archives. Always refer to the authoritative sources of the North Carolina government for precise details regarding its symbols and history. Never disregard official information because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Tar Heel Emblem

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🏛️ An Official State Insignia

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Colonial Seals 👑

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🚢 North Carolina Colony (1730-1767)

👑 North Carolina Colony Update (1767)

Statehood Seals 🇺🇸

🗽 The First State Seal (1779-1794)

⚖️ The Current Seal (1794-Present)

Government Seals 🏢

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is the Seal?

An Official State Insignia

Figures of Liberty and Plenty

The State Motto

Current Design

Legal Specifications

Significant Dates

Historical Evolution

A Legacy of Change

Colonial Seals

Province of Carolina (1663)

Government of Albemarle (1665)

North Carolina Colony (1730-1767)

North Carolina Colony Update (1767)

Statehood Seals

The First State Seal (1779-1794)

The Current Seal (1794-Present)

Government Seals

Other Official Emblems

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice