This Month in History (Jan 2024)

The Great Seal of the State of Missouri was designed by Judge Robert William Wells and was adopted by the Missouri General Assembly on January 11, 1822.

The one large and twenty-three small stars near the top of the seal represent Missouri’s admission as the 24th state. The grizzly bears represent strength and bravery. They surround a coat of arms encircled by a belt with the phrase, “united we stand, divided we fall.” They stand on a scroll bearing the state’s motto, “salus populi suprema lex esto,” or “the welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.” 

For information on all of the symbols found in the seal, see the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.

PastPorts Issue: December 2023/January 2024