Overview
The Great Seal of the State of Kansas is the official emblem used to authenticate state documents and to symbolize Kansas government. It appears on seals, official stationery and the state flag. A guarded combination of natural, economic and historical motifs conveys the state's identity and values.
Design and symbolism
The seal presents a compact scene filled with symbolic detail. Key elements commonly recognized include:
- a rising sun over distant hills, suggesting a new era and promise;
- a river and a steamboat, representing commerce and transportation;
- a settler's cabin and a man plowing with oxen, symbols of agriculture and settlement;
- wagon trains heading west and Native Americans hunting, evoking westward expansion and the frontier;
- a cluster of stars and the state motto on a scroll, connecting Kansas to the Union and to its aspirational phrase.
Motto and elements
The state motto, Ad astra per aspera, usually appears on a scroll near the top of the seal. It is commonly rendered in English as "To the stars through difficulties," reflecting aspirations achieved despite hardship. A ring of lettering around the scene identifies the device as the "Great Seal of the State of Kansas." Many versions include thirty-four stars, a reference to Kansas's admission to the Union as the 34th state.
History and development
The imagery grew out of mid-19th century themes—settlement, agriculture, commerce and the frontier. The seal was formalized after statehood and has been reproduced in statutes, flags and official uses. Over time minor variations in artistic style have appeared in reproductions, but the principal motifs have remained consistent.
Uses, legal status and notable facts
The seal is used to authenticate official acts, adorn the state flag and mark government buildings. It appears on the Flag of Kansas and on documents issued by state agencies. Legal restrictions typically govern its reproduction and misuse to preserve its official character. For an official image and further details consult the state's resources such as the page for the Great Seal of Kansas.