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Great Seal
Adopted in 1835, 1963.
State Seal Adopted by Public Act 19 of 1963, the seal is used on many official state documents. The words “The Great Seal of the State of Michigan, A.D. MDCCCXXXV” encircle the state coat of arms.
The Great Seal of the State of Michigan was inspired by the seal used by the Hudson Bay Fur Company. Michigan's second governor, Lewis Cass, presented the idea to the Constitutional Convention, and it was accepted on June 2, 1835.
At the center of the seal, there is an image of a man standing resolutely at the tip of a penninsula, watching the sun rise, his rifle ready. On either side of the shield, a majestic moose and elk stand facing each other keeping the shield securely in place. And just above the shield, an eagle adds to the majesty. Each of these proud animals lends credence to the motto on the shield, "Tuebor", or "I will defend". Above the eagle is the familiar motto "E pluribus unum", or "From many, one". Below the shield are the words "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice", or "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." And encircling all of this are the words "The Great Seal of the State of Michigan".