south dakota

Even before South Dakota officially gained statehood, the state had adopted the design for an official seal. South Dakota became a state in 1889, and the seal was defined in 1885. The official seal is a picturesque representation of South Dakota’s commerce, industry, and natural resources. The state’s motto “Under God the People Rule”, appears over the inner circle. Within the circle is a background of sky and hills. A river runs through agricultural and industrial land. Mining is represented with a smelting furnace. A steam ship plies the waters of the river. A farmer plows a field in front of a herd of cattle and a cornfield. The outer circle of the seal bears the words “State of South Dakota”, and “Great Seal 1889”.