Ferguson Features

The Grand Seal of the Territory of Oklahoma, the official seal used by Territorial Governor TB Ferguson, was designed in 1893. Frank H. Greer, a newspaper owner from Guthrie and influential citizen of the Oklahoma Territory, helped design the territorial seal, and put the proposal for the seal before the territorial assembly. Later, this seal was incorporated into the seal for the State of Oklahoma.

In the territorial seal, Columbia, a national symbol of equality, justice, and freedom, overlooks a pioneer and a Native American shaking hands. All three figures are standing over the horn of plenty, a symbol of prosperity. The represented the equality and prosperity of the settlers in Oklahoma, under the laws of the United States. Over the figures are the words, Labor omnia Vinci, a Latin phrase meaning “Labor Conquers All”. This phrase came from a 2,000-year-old poem written in 29 BC by Roman poet Virgil in his poem in support of Augustus Caesar’s “back to the land” policy, aimed at encouraging more Romans to become farmers. This phrase had a special meaning for the people of Oklahoma who struggled to farm the difficult soil of the prairie.

This Great Seal of the Territory of Oklahoma was the centerpiece of the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma. Around this centerpiece are symbols of the five civilized tribes within a five-pointed star. These five nations, the Muskogee/Creek, Seminole, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Cherokee Nations were originally part of a seal for the proposed State of Sequoyah.

The symbol for the Cherokee Nation is represented by a seven=pointed star wreathed in Oak leaves. A plow and sheaf of what is the symbol of the Muskogee, or Creek, Nation representing the prosperity and agricultural achievements of the Creek Nation. The Seminole Nation is represented by a man paddling a canoe across a lake towards a village. . The Chickasaw Nation is represented by a warrior. The Choctaw Nation is represented by an unstrung bow with arrows. This symbolizes a desire for peace, but preparedness to defend one’s people.

Gabe E Parker was designated the delegate in charge of the seal committee at the Oklahoma State Constitutional Convention. It is officially described in Article 6, Section 35 of the Oklahoma State Constitution.

Surrounding are 45 stars representing the 45 states accepted into the United States before Oklahoma was accepted Nov. 16, 1907.