West Virginia State Flag and Seal

West Virginia's official flag was adopted in 1929. The state seal, pictured on the state flag, has remained unchanged since it was first adopted in 1863. It was designed by Joseph H. Diss Debar.

"Etched in the stone is the date of West Virginia's entrance into the Union, June 20, 1863. Two rifles lie crossed in front of the boulder, and are draped with the Liberty Cap, signifying the state's willingness to defend itself in the name of Liberty. On one side of the boulder is a representation of Agriculture, as a farmer stands with his ax and plow before a cornstalk. On the other side, Industry is symbolized by a miner shouldering his pickax, and behind him an anvil and sledge hammer. These images are surrounded by the words "State of West Virginia", and the state's motto "Montani Semper Liberi", or "Mountaineers Always Free". "

(info taken from http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/seals/wv_seal.htm)


State Seal of West Virginia