This Day In Wyoming History: The Great State Seal Is Authorized

On this date in 1891, the Wyoming State Legislature authorized an act to approve the "Great Seal of State". This was a draft, of sorts, that would be more refined later.

Even though Wyoming gained statehood in 1890, it wasn't until the second legislative session that the Wyoming Legislature authorized the state seal.

One of the main items on the seal,  that stand out to people, is a woman standing in front of a banner that reads, "Equal Rights." The Cowboy State was a champion for women having voting rights well before the turn of the century.

On either side of the woman are two pillars that highlight what Wyoming is known for mining, oil, grain and livestock. The lamps, that are shown burning, at the top of the pillars stand for "Light of Knowledge."

There are two dates posted on the state seal, 1869 and 1890, which show when Wyoming became a territory and when it was welcomed as the 44th state into the Union.

In 1921, the seal was refined and approved by the legislature when they increased the dimensions of the seal from 1 1/4 inches to 1 1/2 inches.