Every time the Governor of North Carolina signs an important law or issues an official proclamation, a special emblem is used to make it official. This emblem is The Great Seal of the State of North Carolina, a circular stamp that acts as the state’s official signature. Its primary job is a practical one: to authenticate documents, proving they are genuine and have the full authority of the state government behind them. When the seal is pressed onto a document, it leaves a raised impression that signifies the power and credibility of the state itself.
But the Great Seal is much more than just a stamp. It is a visual storybook, a carefully designed piece of art where every element has a special meaning. It tells the story of North Carolina’s identity—its history, its values, its geography, and its hopes for the future. The seal is a compact and powerful narrative, capturing the spirit of the state in a single image. Decoding its symbols reveals a rich tale about what it means to be a North Carolinian.
This official signature does not just validate a piece of paper; it connects every official act of the state to the core principles of liberty, prosperity, and integrity that have shaped North Carolina for centuries. The seal’s practical, legal function is therefore elevated by its symbolic content. It doesn’t just say, “this is official”; it says, “this is official according to the values and history of North Carolina,” creating a unique fusion of legal authority and cultural identity.
The Seal’s Meaning in a Nutshell
In short, the Great Seal of North Carolina symbolizes the state’s core identity, which is built on the foundational principles of Liberty and Plenty. These two ideas, freedom and prosperity, are shown as the central figures on the seal. The seal communicates that these values are protected by the rule of law, represented by a scroll labeled “Constitution.” This identity is also deeply rooted in North Carolina’s pivotal role during the American Revolution, celebrated by two key dates: April 12, 1776, for the Halifax Resolves, and May 20, 1775, for the legendary Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Finally, the entire emblem is guided by a profound commitment to authenticity and action over appearance, captured in the state’s official motto, Esse Quam Videri, a Latin phrase meaning “To be rather than to seem”.
The Two Figures: Liberty and Plenty
At the heart of the Great Seal are two female figures, representing the twin pillars upon which North Carolina’s vision for itself rests: Liberty and Plenty. Their appearance, posture, and the objects they hold were all chosen with deliberate care to convey a specific philosophy about good government and a successful society.
Liberty, Guardian of Freedom
The first figure, standing on the left, is Liberty. She is portrayed as strong, active, and watchful. In her right hand, she holds a scroll with the word “Constitution” written on it. This is a crucial detail. It symbolizes the belief that true liberty is not wild and chaotic, but is a freedom that is ordered, protected, and guaranteed by the rule of law. The Constitution is the shield that defends the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
In her left hand, Liberty holds a long pole topped with a soft cap. This is known as a “Liberty Cap” or a “Phrygian cap,” and it is one of the most powerful symbols of freedom in Western history. Its story goes back to ancient Rome, where freed slaves would wear a similar cap, called a pileus, to show that they were no longer in bondage. During the American and French Revolutions, this ancient symbol was revived to represent the people’s fight for freedom from tyranny. By placing this symbol on its seal, North Carolina connects its own story to this long and noble history of the human struggle for liberty.
Plenty, A Symbol of Abundance
The second figure, seated on the right, is Plenty. She represents prosperity, abundance, and the rich natural and agricultural wealth of the state. Her seated posture suggests peace and stability. In her right hand, she holds three heads of grain, a direct nod to agriculture, which has always been a vital part of North Carolina’s economy and way of life.
In her left arm, she cradles a cornucopia, also known as the “Horn of Plenty.” This is another symbol with ancient roots, a horn overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It represents the idea that the land is bountiful and that the state has all the resources it needs to thrive and provide for its people. The contents of the horn are shown spilling out at her feet, symbolizing endless abundance and good fortune.
A Partnership of Ideals
The way these two figures are positioned in relation to each other is perhaps the most insightful part of the seal’s design. The official description specifies that they should be “looking toward each other, but not more than half-fronting each other”. Liberty is standing, an active and vigilant posture, while Plenty is seated, a more settled and peaceful pose. Plenty’s right arm is slightly extended toward Liberty.
This careful arrangement tells a story about cause and effect. It visually represents a core political and economic philosophy held by the state’s founders. The composition suggests that prosperity is a direct result of freedom under law. Liberty stands first, holding the Constitution, establishing the necessary conditions of a stable and just society. Only then can Plenty flourish in a state of peaceful abundance. Plenty does not create Liberty; rather, Liberty creates the secure environment where Plenty can thrive. This visual hierarchy implies that if you want a prosperous state, you must first build it on a strong foundation of freedom, individual rights, and the rule of law. Every time the seal is used, it silently reaffirms this foundational belief: a just government that protects liberty is the essential precondition for a thriving and prosperous state.
The Landscape: From the Mountains to the Sea
The background of the seal serves as a miniature portrait of North Carolina’s diverse geography, capturing the state’s famous landscape that stretches “from the mountains to the sea.” On the left side of the seal, behind the figure of Liberty, is a depiction of mountains, representing the majestic Appalachian Mountains in the western part of the state. On the right, behind Plenty, the scene shifts to an ocean, representing the Atlantic coast that defines eastern North Carolina.
Floating on that ocean is a three-masted ship. This ship is not merely a decorative element; it is a vital symbol of commerce, trade, and the state’s economic connection to the rest of the nation and the world. It signifies that North Carolina’s prosperity is built not just on its internal resources but also on its ability to engage in a robust exchange of goods and ideas.
The importance of this complete geographical picture was made clear during the effort to standardize the seal in the 20th century. Over the years, many different and unofficial versions of the seal had come into use. In some of these variations, the ship had disappeared entirely, leaving only the mountains in the background. In 1971, when the General Assembly passed a law to create a single, official design, they made sure to explicitly restore the ship to its rightful place. A state representative from the coastal part of the state was instrumental in this effort, ensuring that the seal accurately represented the whole of North Carolina, from its western peaks to its eastern shores. This act of restoration underscored the idea that both the agricultural heartland and the commercial coast are essential to the state’s identity and prosperity.
Dates of Revolution: North Carolina’s First Steps to Freedom
Emblazoned on the seal are two dates from the American Revolution, each marking a key moment when North Carolina stepped onto the stage of history to lead the charge for American independence. Together, they anchor the state’s proud claim of being “First in Freedom.”
April 12, 1776: The Halifax Resolves
The date at the bottom of the seal’s center, “April 12, 1776,” commemorates the Halifax Resolves. This is a historically undisputed and profoundly important event. On that day, the Fourth Provincial Congress of North Carolina, meeting in the town of Halifax, adopted a unanimous resolution. This resolution was the first official action by any of the thirteen colonies to authorize its delegates at the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia to vote for independence from Great Britain.
At a time when other colonies were still hesitant, North Carolina took a bold and decisive step. The Halifax Resolves did not declare independence on their own, but they empowered North Carolina’s representatives to join with other colonies in doing so, helping to pave the way for the United States Declaration of Independence less than three months later. This date was added to the state seal in 1983 to serve as a constant reminder of the state’s verified and historic commitment to liberty.
May 20, 1775: The Legendary Mecklenburg Declaration
The date at the top of the seal, “May 20, 1775,” refers to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, a more dramatic and controversial event. According to the story, which has been cherished in North Carolina for generations, a group of citizens in Mecklenburg County gathered in Charlotte upon hearing news of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Outraged, they supposedly drafted and signed a declaration that boldly stated they were “free and independent people,” absolving themselves from all allegiance to the British Crown. If true, this would mean that a small community in North Carolina declared independence more than a year before the famous declaration in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.
The controversy arises because the original document was reportedly destroyed in a house fire in 1800, and no copies from the time have ever been found. The text of the “Meck Dec” was not published until 1819, reconstructed from memory and notes decades after the event. Because of this, most modern historians believe the Mecklenburg Declaration is likely an inaccurate and embellished memory of a different, but very real, document known as the Mecklenburg Resolves. The Resolves, adopted on May 31, 1775, did not declare independence but did nullify British law and set up a temporary local government, which was still a radical act of self-governance.
Despite the historical debate, North Carolina officially chooses to embrace the powerful story of the Mecklenburg Declaration. The inclusion of both dates on the seal is a masterful act of storytelling. The state pairs a historically verifiable event with a cherished, legendary one. This is not a contradiction but a deliberate choice. It allows North Carolina to ground its claim of being “First in Freedom” in the solid fact of the Halifax Resolves while simultaneously celebrating the more romantic and aspirational spirit of the Mecklenburg Declaration. The seal becomes a testament to the idea that a state’s identity is shaped as much by the powerful stories it tells about itself as by the undisputed facts of its past. It harmonizes two different kinds of truth—historical and cultural—into a single, powerful statement of identity.
The State’s Guiding Principle: “Esse Quam Videri”
Circling the outer border of the seal are two phrases. At the top are the words “THE GREAT SEAL of the STATE of NORTH CAROLINA”. At the bottom is the state’s official motto: Esse Quam Videri. This three-word Latin phrase holds a deep meaning that speaks to the character of the state. It translates to “To be rather than to seem”.
The phrase can be traced back to an essay on friendship, De Amicitia, written in 44 B.C. by the great Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero. North Carolina officially adopted it as the state motto in 1893, after it was championed by the distinguished jurist and historian Walter Clark. At the time, North Carolina was the last of the original thirteen states to adopt an official motto. The choice of Latin was common for state mottos, as the language is known for being concise and powerful; these three Latin words require at least six English words to express the same idea.
The motto is a call for authenticity, integrity, and substance over image. It is a guiding principle that encourages action over empty words, genuine character over superficial appearances, and reality over pretense. It reflects a desire for the state and its citizens to embody their values honestly and directly.
Interestingly, this powerful motto of authenticity exists on the same seal as the date of the Mecklenburg Declaration, an event whose historical authenticity is debated. This creates a fascinating philosophical tension. How can a symbol championing “to be rather than to seem” also feature a story that some consider more “seeming” than “being”? The answer lies in a deeper interpretation. The “being” that the motto refers to may not be about literal, historical fact, but about the essential character and spirit of North Carolina. The story of the Meck Dec, whether perfectly accurate or not, represents a spirit of fierce independence, courage, and a willingness to lead. In this view, by celebrating the story, the state is being true to its fundamental character. The motto challenges the observer to look past the surface-level debate to the authentic spirit that the legend represents.
A Symbol Forged by History: The Seal’s Evolution
The Great Seal of the State of North Carolina that we see today is not the first design, but the result of a long and complex evolution spanning more than 300 years. The state has used at least ten different seals—four during the colonial period and six since independence.
The earliest seals, used under the Lords Proprietors (starting in 1663) and later the British Crown, featured imagery that reflected their authority, such as coats of arms and depictions of the king. After North Carolina declared independence in 1776, the new state constitution called for a Great Seal to be used by the governor. The first state seals introduced the figures that would eventually become Liberty and Plenty, though their appearance varied greatly with each new version.
For nearly two centuries, there was no single, consistent design. Artists and engravers took liberties, and with each new administration, slight changes might be made. By the early 20th century, this had led to significant inconsistencies. As noted earlier, some versions of the seal had dropped the ship entirely, while others had different mottos or dates.
This lack of uniformity came to a head in 1971. State officials realized that multiple, conflicting versions of the seal were in use across government buildings and on official documents. To resolve this, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law to standardize the seal once and for all. This law provided a precise, detailed description for every element of the design, from the exact posture of Liberty and Plenty to the inclusion of the mountains, the ocean, and the three-masted ship.
The final major modification came in 1983. State Senator Julian R. Allsbrook proposed adding the date of the Halifax Resolves, “April 12, 1776,” to the seal. He argued that since this undisputed “first” was already on the state flag, it deserved a place on the state seal as well, to properly honor North Carolina’s foundational commitment to liberty. The proposal was approved, and this last change created the official Great Seal as it is known today.
The following table summarizes the key moments in this long design journey.
Table 1: Key Milestones in the Design of the North Carolina State Seal
| Era/Period | Key Dates | Significant Design Features or Changes |
| Colonial Period | 1663–1776 | Designs featured the coats of arms of the Lords Proprietors and later, imagery representing the British Crown, such as the reigning monarch. |
| Early Statehood | 1776–1893 | Following independence, the figures of Liberty and Plenty were introduced as central symbols. The designs varied significantly over this period. |
| Addition of Identity | 1893 | The General Assembly officially added the state motto, Esse Quam Videri, and the date of the Mecklenburg Declaration, “May 20, 1775,” to the seal. |
| Standardization | 1971 | A law was passed to create a single, official design, resolving decades of inconsistencies. This act explicitly defined all elements, including restoring the ship to the seal. |
| Final Modification | 1983 | The date of the Halifax Resolves, “April 12, 1776,” was added to the seal, completing the emblem as it appears today. |
Conclusion: The Seal as a Unifying Symbol
The Great Seal of the State of North Carolina is far more than an official tool for authenticating documents. It is a masterfully crafted emblem of identity, a rich tapestry of symbols woven together to tell the story of a state. It communicates a distinct vision of society, one where prosperity flows from a foundation of freedom protected by law. It paints a portrait of the state’s physical beauty, from the ancient mountains to the bustling coast, and celebrates the commerce that connects it to the world.
Through its two revolutionary dates, the seal makes a bold and complex claim to being “First in Freedom,” grounding its identity in both verifiable history and cherished legend. And through its timeless motto, it sets forth a profound moral compass, urging a commitment to authenticity and character. Each element, from the Liberty Cap to the overflowing cornucopia, has been debated, refined, and deliberately chosen over centuries. The seal serves as a unifying symbol, connecting modern North Carolinians to the revolutionary ideals of their past and the enduring values that continue to shape their future. It is the state’s signature, not just in law, but in spirit.