Each state in the United States of America is unique. The people and legislature of Illinois have selected the following state symbols to represent their state's individual environment and culture.
![[Image of The Illinois State Seal]](/media/graphics/state-seals/illinois-seal.png)
In 1868, a bill was introduced to create a new seal. It went through the legislature attracting the attention of only a few individuals, but the final bill said the seal was to remain essentially like the original. However, its written description fit the seal that had been used on official stationery rather than the 1839 seal.
American Eagle on a bolder in prairie, the sun rising in distant horizon.
![[Image of The Illinois State Flag]](/media/graphics/state-flags/illinois-flag.png)
The Illinois State Flag is a simple representation of the Great Seal of Illinois against a white background.
In 1969, the General Assembly voted to add the word "ILLINOIS" under the Great Seal of the flag. The State's name was added to the flag to ensure that people not familiar with the Great Seal of Illinois would still recognize the banner.
