Seal of New Orleans: History, Design, and Evolution
The Seal of New Orleans serves as the official insignia for the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. More than just a bureaucratic stamp, the seal represents the city's administrative identity and has evolved over nearly two centuries to reflect the changing nature of the community it represents.
While the current form was officially adopted in 2018, the roots of the city's heraldry stretch back to the early 19th century, mirroring the complex political mergers and divisions that shaped the city's early development.
Key Facts
- Current Version: Adopted in 2018 to include more inclusive representations.
- Origin: The first unified version was created in 1852.
- Early Cost: The 1852 seal was engraved and printed for 16 dollars.
- Primary Use: Official city documents, police patches, fire department badges, and government buildings.
- Key Imagery: Features an Indian brave, a maiden, a recumbent figure, stars, and an alligator.
The Historical Evolution of the Seal
The early history of the city's insignia is somewhat obscure. Records from the New Orleans Public Library indicate that on February 17, 1805, the Legislative Council of the Territory of Orleans authorized the mayor to use a seal for official acts. However, this unity was short-lived; in 1836, New Orleans was divided into three separate municipalities, each of which adopted its own distinct seal.
When the three municipalities reunited in 1852, a new, unified seal was required. City Hall Archives show that in June 1852, Mayor A. D. Crossman was authorized by the Council to order a city seal, which cost 16 dollars to produce. This design remained the foundation for future versions, with a die of the 1852 seal being approved by Mayor J. R. Conway in 1871 for 60 dollars. By 1873, an exact reproduction of the seal was formally entered according to an act of Congress.
Throughout the 20th century, the seal underwent various modifications regarding its colors, form, and the depiction of the individuals featured. The most recent significant update occurred in 2018, when the right supporter was modified to feature a darker skin tone to be more inclusive.
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Design and Symbolism
Although a comprehensive official explanation of the seal's symbolism is lacking, a 1938 New Orleans City Guide provides a detailed description of the imagery. The seal consists of a semicircular inscription reading "City of New Orleans" surrounding a central shield.
The visual elements include:
- Supporters: An Indian brave and a maiden standing on either side of the shield.
- Central Figure: A recumbent nude figure on the shield, shown saluting the sun as it rises above the sea and mountains.
- Celestial Elements: Twenty-five stars grouped in a circle above the shield.
- Local Fauna: An alligator positioned below the shield.
Official Usage and Presence
The legal use of the seal was codified as early as 1870. According to city ordinances, the seal is reserved for use by the mayor on document copies, as well as by city attorneys and specific courts.
Beyond official paperwork, the seal is a visible symbol across Orleans Parish. It is prominently featured on:
- Patches worn by officers of the New Orleans Police Department.
- Badges of the New Orleans Fire Department.
- The office of the mayor and City Council chambers.
- Various downtown buildings and a plaque at the Algiers Point Library.
| Year | Event/Change | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1805 | Initial Authorization | Legislative Council authorized the mayor to procure a seal. |
| 1836 | Municipal Division | City split into three municipalities, each with its own seal. |
| 1852 | Unification | Unified city seal adopted for 16 dollars. |
| 1871 | Die Approval | Mayor J. R. Conway approved a new die for 60 dollars. |
| 1938 | Documentation | City Guide provides detailed description of symbolism. |
| 2018 | Modern Revision | Right supporter updated to a darker skin tone for inclusivity. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the current version of the New Orleans seal adopted?
The current version of the seal was adopted in 2018, featuring a more inclusive depiction of the figures on the insignia.
What animals are featured on the seal?
The seal features an alligator located below the central shield.
Who is authorized to use the city seal?
Based on an 1870 ordinance, the seal can be used by the mayor for document copies, city attorneys, and several courts.
How many stars are on the Seal of New Orleans?
There are twenty-five stars grouped circularly above the shield.
Why was the seal changed in 2018?
The seal was updated to be more inclusive, specifically by changing the skin tone of the right supporter to be darker.