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The Great Seal of Missouri

The Great Seal of the State of Missouri was officially adopted by the General Assembly on January 11, 1822. Judge Robert William Wells, who was also a congressman, designed the seal. The center of the seal contains the bald eagle symbol of the nation on the right side, and, on the left, symbols representing the state. A grizzly bear represents strength and bravery; a crescent moon represents the newness of statehood and the potential for growth. Surrounding these symbols is the motto "United we stand, divided we fall". Two mighty grizzly bears support this center shield. A scroll carries the state motto, "Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto", or "Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law." Missouri's date of statehood, 1820, is placed in Roman numerals below the scroll. A star representing each of the other states of the Union (Missouri became the 24th) graces the top portion of the seal. The outer circle of the seal bears the words "The Great Seal of the State of Missouri".

State Statute.