State Seal of Kansas
It was Senator John James Ingalls from Atchison who proposed the design of the Kansas state seal as well as the state motto for Kansas. The seal was officially adopted on May 25, 1861, by the Kansas Legislature through a joint resolution that clearly defines the seal as well as its symbolism.
The rising sun symbolizes the east while the steamboat and the river represent commerce. It features many other symbols along with the motto ”Ad astra per aspera”‘ meaning “Through hardships to the stars”.