The Deal on the Seal
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It adorns our buildings, letterheads and even the top of this webpage, but do you know the history behind the County seal?
Paul Yale, who works in the Health and Human Services Agency, recently asked about the seal. He writes:
“I am a proud county employee and was recently looking at our famous County logo one day. Then it dawned on me that I don’t really know a lot about it. Who created it? When was it created? What do the various items mean? I have asked many of my fellow county employees and no one seems to know. I was just curious at first, but now this looks like it could be a topic that all county employees can appreciate and may want to know as well.”
We couldn’t agree more, Paul. Let’s find out what each part means and breakdown the County seal, which was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 1937 (replacing the 1933 version) and designed by CAC architect Samuel Hamill.
All information about the County Seal can be found online in the interactive history book on the San Diego County Administration Center Bridging the Centuries: The Jewel on the Bay.
Central Element: Double-headed Axe and Dolphins
The main element in the seal is shown as a double-headed axe rising from a bundle of sticks, which was used in ancient Rome as a symbol of authority.
Behind the double-headed axe, stars and stripes, representing the American flag, sit proudly.
At the base of t
he axe sits horns of plenty, which represent the fruits of the land. On the left horn, a stylized dolphin is incorporated into the design, representing fruits of the sea.
Left Element: Air and Sea
A clipper ship, seen riding the waves, is a nod to San Diego’s naval and trade history. And that airplane you see flying high? It represents looking into the future, while also recalling the area's aviation history, including Charles A. Lindbergh’s take-off from San Diego in 1927 as he flew to New York to begin the first solo, non-stop transatlantic flight.
Point Loma Lighthouse can be seen on the cliffs behind the ship.
Right Element: Land and Sky
One of San Diego’s most famous landmarks, Palomar Observatory sits proudly on the County seal, representing a world-renowned achievement in science, as well as San Diego’s position on the threshold of scientific history.
On the seal, the observatory is overlooking an orange grove, which represents the rich agricultural industry found in the County.
County Motto: “The Noblest Motive is the Public Good”
Our County motto comes from the wise words of Roman poet Virgil and was chosen by the Building Committee of the Civic Center in 1933.
MDCCCLI
This Roman numeral represents the year 1851, when San Diego County was admitted to the state of California.