Alaska State Seal
In 1867, Russia sold its interest in Alaska to the United States, and for nearly fifty years the region was known as the District of Alaska. The first Governor designated a Seal featuring icebergs, northern lights, igloos and an Eskimo ice fishing. In 1910, this Seal was replaced with a design by an "unknown designer" more representative of the District's industrial and natural wealth. This Seal was retained through Alaska's territorial days and by adoption of Alaska's constitution in 1956 became the State Seal when Alaska joined the Union on January 3, 1959.
The rays above the mountains represent the famous Alaskan northern lights, also known as aurora borealis. The smelter symbolizes mining, the train stands for Alaska's rail transportation, and ships denote marine transportation. The trees symbolize Alaska's wealth of timber and other forest products, and the farmer, his horse, and the three shocks of wheat portray Alaska's agriculture. The fish and seals signify the importance of seafood to Alaska's economy.
Although road and air transportation, oil and gas and tourism have developed considerably since the Seal was designed in 1910, Alaska's State Seal still represents the vast wealth, economy and incredible natural setting of the forty-ninth State.
Use of seal without permission is prohibited
Sec. 44.09.015. Use of seal without permission prohibited.
(a) A person may not use or make a die or impression of the state seal for any advertising or commercial purpose, unless written permission has first been obtained from the lieutenant governor.
Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell's policy for use of the
state seal:
The state seal may only be used for official state business, good cause for a proper purpose, and educational purposes. It is not necessary for state agencies to obtain written authorization for use of the state seal for the conduct of official state business.
In no event shall approval for use of the state seal be granted for political campaign purposes, for advertising, or commercial purposes. Violations of this policy shall be referred to the Attorney General for criminal prosecution.
Permission received for use of the state seal by the Lieutenant Governor is valid only while the Lieutenant Governor that approves the request holds office. Continued use of the state seal beyond the term of office of the Lieutenant Governor that approves a request requires renewed permission from subsequent Lieutenant Governors.
Requests for use of the state seal must be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor in writing and detail the intended use of the seal. To request permission to use the State Seal email the Lieutenant Governor or contact Scott Clark 907-465-4081 for assistance.