Alaska State Seal

Description, Symbols, Icons and Emblems of the Alaska State Seal
The description and meaning of the symbols, icons and emblems are as follows:

	The seal symbolizes many of the industries and natural riches found in the land of Alaska.
	Around the edge are images of a fish and also a two seals that symbolize the importance of fishing and seal rookeries to  the economy
	The beauty of the landscape is emphasized with images of water, green forests and mountains
	The green forests are symbols of the timber industry in Alaska
	The water and fishing boats represent the important fishing industry and sea transportation
	In the foreground the image of a farmer, his horses stand for Alaskan agriculture.
	The mining industry is not forgotten and is represented by a factory with a smoking chimney that depicts smelting metal from its ore.
	The rays above the mountains and reflected in the water represent the Alaskan northern lights.
	The seal is kept and used as required by the Constitution and laws of the state.

The 1911 Seal of the District of Alaska
The first seal was designed before statehood by John Henry Kinkead, the first governor of the District of Alaska which covered the period from 1884 to 1912. In 1912 the land became known as Alaska Territory until admission to Union on January 3, 1959 (49th state). The picture of the old flyer is interesting in respect of the reference to Russia. The Russians settled Old Sitka in 1799 under the name Redoubt Saint Michael. The flyer also features the prominence of the industries related to seals.