June 20, 1782 – The U.S. Congress Adopted the Great Seal of the United States

June 20

Copy of The Great Seal of the United States

Shortly after declaring independence from British rule, the United States began to establish its own identity. The Continental Congress recognized the need for a visual representation of the newly formed country to convey an official sense of identity and authority separate from England. On June 20, 1782, the United States adopted its official Great Seal, a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty and independence.

The design of the Great Seal required considerable time and effort. Multiple committees convened to review various proposed designs before the Continental Congress approved the final version. The selected design was primarily created by Charles Thomson, who served as the secretary of the Continental Congress. This design is still featured on the obverse of the seal, which depicts a bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, clutching an olive branch and arrows—symbols that represent peace and war, respectively. Together, these elements are intended to illustrate the nation’s ability to choose between peace and conflict.

The Great Seal is a significant symbol of the United States that remains widely used today. It serves to authenticate various documents, such as official treaties and proclamations issued from the White House. Any correspondence with foreign countries features the Great Seal of the United States on its letterhead. Additionally, the seal can be found at the entrances of U.S. embassies, on the reverse side of the U.S. dollar bill, on U.S. passports, and on the buttons of military uniforms.