The use of seals was brought to America from
Europe by the colonists. These were the forerunners of the State Seals
today.
Every one of our 50 states has an
official seal and their devices are used by them on the uniform buttons of the
State Militia. The Militia is the oldest service of our armed forces, going back
to the very first year of the colonies.
Most of
the State Seals were adopted in the “Victorian Era”, as a glance at some
elaborate designs will reveal. Many of the states obtained their seals only
after a bitter debate and they can be altered only by law. The state seal
button device came with use some time after the adoption of the
seal.
Six states use the exact state seal device on their
state seal buttons; some alter it somewhat but the seal is still recognizable.
Three states do not use any part of the device of the state seal on their state
seal buttons. They are Wyoming, South Carolina and
Vermont.
Greatly as State Seal buttons differ in appearance, a study
reveals that they have many designs and ideas in common.
16 quality as heraldic—a shield is
the main design
one half show landscapes depicting the surrounding
region,
one half give agriculture a place
one third show means of transportation—trains, covered wagons,
ships, etc.
Just Buttons magazine Mar-Apr 1978
