Great Seal of California - Historical Engraving and Symbolism #3693835 (License: Personal Use)

This detailed 19th-century engraving depicts the original Great Seal of California adopted in 1849, featuring two grizzly bears flanking a central shield with a miner, a California grizzly, a rising sun, and a U.S. bald eagle. Above the shield are 31 stars representing California’s admission as the 31st state, and below, ribbons bear the Latin phrases “Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto” (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law) and “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” The date MDCCLXXX (1780) is inscribed at the base, likely referencing the year of the first Spanish expedition to California.

Used in educational, governmental, and historical contexts-especially on museum websites, state archives, or civics resources-to illustrate California’s founding symbolism and constitutional heritage. Matches user intent for historical research, state seal identification, or civic education.