Oregon State Symbols

The Oregon State Seal consists of a shield, supported by 33 stars. It is divided by a ribbon, with the inscription "The Union."

Above the ribbon are the mountains and forests of Oregon, an elk with branching antlers, a covered wagon and ox team, the Pacific Ocean with setting sun, a departing British man-of-war signifying the departure of British influence in the region and an arriving American merchant ship signifying the rise of American power. Below the ribbon is a quartering with a sheaf of wheat, plow and pickax, which represent Oregon�s mining and agricultural resources.

The crest is the American Eagle. Around the perimeter of the seal is the legend "State of Oregon 1859."

The flag of Oregon is the only state flag with different pictures on each side.

On the reverse appears a beaver the state animal. Both sides have a field of navy blue with design in gold.

The front picture includes a heart shaped shield with an eagle on top, surrounded by thirty-three stars. (The number of states in 1859.) The scene on the shield shows the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, mountains, forests and a covered wagon. A plow, wheat and pickax represent farming and mining. Of the two ships the one leaving is a British ship and the one arriving is a United States ship representing trade.

The eagle represents the United States. On a banner are the words "The Union" representing support for the United States. Finally, the flag is emblazoned with the words "State of Oregon" above the picture and the date of statehood "1859" below.