Confederate Seal

The Great Seal of the Confederacy was the official seal of the Confederate States of America. The seal prominently features George Washington, a southerner, on horseback in the same position as a statue of him in Richmond, Virginia. Washington is surrounded with a wreath which represents some of the important agricultural products of the Confederate States, including cotton, wheat, corn, and tobacco.

The margin of the seal features the words "The Confederate States of America: 22 February 1862" and the national motto, Deo Vindice, which can be pronounced 'VIN de say' or 'WIN de kay.' Deo Vindice can be translated a number of ways, including "Under God, Our Vindicator" or "With God as [our] Champion."

The date on the seal commemorates the inauguration of Jefferson Davis as President of the Confederate States of America and is also Washington's birthday.

The seal was designed shortly before the end of the War Between the States.

Reprinted courtesy of the Museum and Library of Confederate History, Greenville, SC.