State Seal of California
‘The Great Seal of the State of California” has the state’s motto ”Eureka” written on it. Originally designed by Robert S. Garnett, a US Army Major and later a Confederate General, the seal has undergone minor changes since it was adopted in 1849, the last change was its standardization in 1937.
The Roman Goddess of wisdom & war ”Minerva” is featured on the seal along with California’s state animal, a grizzly bear, munching on grapevines representing the state’s wine production. Other historical events such as the gold rush have also been symbolized on the seal. The 33 stars signify the number of states that existed at the time of California’s admission to the US.