Minnesota Flag 
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| Minnesota State Seal |  |
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The Minnesota State Seal
The Great Seal of the State of Minnesota serves as a symbol of authenticity which verifies that government documents and papers of state are official and legal in the "North Star State". The Minnesota state seal is also an emblem that is representative of the state's origins, history, character and ideals. The following motto, reflecting the spirit of the state, is also incorporated in the Minnesota state seal is expressed in French as "L'Etoile du nord" which means: "The Star of the North" The Minnesota state seal identifies government buildings and officials and is a centerpiece for the Minnesota state flag (the colors are different). The symbolism, history and emblems of the seal are described in this article. | 
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Facts on the Minnesota State Seal
The men who designed the Great State seals were educated in the classics and were knowledgeable of art history and symbolism of heraldry. Fast, fun facts about the history and design of the Minnesota State Seal: | 
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Minnesota & the Territory of the United States Northwest of the River Ohio
The Territory of the United States Northwest of the River Ohio (the Old Northwest) covered more than 260,000 square miles and consisted of the modern states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, as well as northeastern Minnesota. The first recorded use of The seal of the Northwest Territory (the Old Northwest) was in a proclamation made on July 26, 1788. Congress passed legislation on May 8, 1792, that directed the U.S. Secretary of State to "provide proper seals for the several and respective public offices in the said Territories". The Great Minnesota state seal was introduced when the state was admitted to the Union. Description, Symbols, Icons and Emblems of the Minnesota State Seal
The description and meaning of the symbols, icons and emblems are as follows:  | The theme of the seal features the landscape of the state with the sun rising over the horizon with the rays symbolizing a bright future. The prairie, a pine forest and a river with falls is also featured, believed to be a depiction of St. Anthony Falls | | A male Native American Indian wearing a loincloth and feather headdress and carrying a long spear is galloping on horseback looking towards the figure of a farmer. The Dakota and Chippewa tribes lived in Minnesota when the first Europeans arrived. | | The barefoot male pioneer wearing clothing and a hat of that period is plowing the earth, using an animal-drawn implement from that period although the animal is not visible. | | The cultivated land features an image of a tree stump with an ax embedded in it with a muzzle loader gun resting against it. A powder flask is hanging towards the end of the gun barrel | | The Minnesota seal is kept and used as required by the Constitution and laws of the state. |
The Minnesota Seal of 1876
This is a flyer depicting the 1876 design of the Minnesota seal. The picture is interesting as it reflects the lifestyle of the early settlers. A loaded haywain is pulled by oxen with a farmer representing the agricultural industry. On the other side a pioneer in buckskins is seen racing across the prairie. |
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Minnesota State Seal for Kids | |
Minnesota State Seal for Kids
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