Symbols of the United States and Arkansas – Object #2

E Pluribus Unum

<p>Print shows the great seal of the United States; a bald eagle clutching an olive branch in the claw on the left and thirteen arrows in the claw on the right, on its breast is a shield with chief of blue and with white and red stripes, in its beak is a banner with the motto “E Pluribus Unum”, and at top a cockade with thirteen stars framed by clouds.</p>

1890 print of the seal and motto of the United States

Questions

What symbols do you see on the great seal of the United States? What do you think they mean?

“E Pluribus Unum” means “Out of Many, One.” How do you think this motto relates to the symbols on the on the seal? How do you think the motto relates to our country’s history?

If you designed a seal for the United States, or for your state, city, school, or classroom, what would you include on it? Explain your reasoning.

Citations

Graham, Andrew B., Lithographer. E pluribus unum. Washington, D.C., between 1890-1900. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.