Penn Quarter in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Great Seal of the United States

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2015

1. The Great Seal of the United States Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1776 the Continental Congress adopted a resolution calling for the creation of a seal for the new nation. In June 1782 the United States Congress approved a design which was manufactured in September of that year. In early 1881 the Department of State selected a new design for the obverse which was made in 1885. 2,000 to 3,000 times a year the seal is used on treaties and other international agreements; proclamations; and commissions of Ambassadors, Foreign Service Officers, and all other civil officers appointed by the President. In addition, we see the seal every day on the back of the one dollar bill.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1782.

Location. 38° 53.761′ N, 77° 1.848′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in the Penn Quarter. Marker is on Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest west of 13th Street Northwest, in the median. In Freedom Plaza along Pennsylvania Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20004, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker. The Washington Post (a few steps from this marker); Marion Barry, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Plaza, Pennsylvania Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski (within shouting distance of this marker); The John A. Wilson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Alice Paul (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington, DC: Capital and City (about 300 feet away); Alexander Robey Shepherd (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Also see . . . Great Seal of the United States. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 17, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2015

2. The Great Seal of the United States Marker

1872 Obverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2015

3. 1872 Obverse

1872 Reverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2015

4. 1872 Reverse

Annuit Cœptis
([He] favors our undertakings)
Novus Ordo Seclorum
(A new order of the ages)

1885 Obverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2015

5. 1885 Obverse

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 423 times since then and 97 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 3, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.