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The Great Seal of Kentucky

Kentucky's official seal was adopted in 1792, six months after Kentucky gained statehood. The seal is a simple rendition of two men, one in buckskin, and the other in more formal dress. The two men are facing each other and clasping hands. The outer ring of the seal is adorned with the words "Commonwealth of Kentucky", and within the inner circle is the motto "United we stand, Divided we fall."

The official act of the General Assembly in December 1792 stated: Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that the Governor be empowered and is hereby required to provide at the public charge a seal for this Commonwealth; and procure the same to be engraved with the following device, viz; 'Two friends embracing, with the name of the state over their heads and around about the following motto: United we stand, divided we fall."

The two men on the seal haven't stood still for two centuries, however. Various versions have pictured both men dressed in buckskin, or both men in formal dress, men with and without hats, men with beards, men with wigs, and hand clasps that have ranged from simple handshakes to full embraces.

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State Statute.