Washington — State Seal and Flag

The seal is unique among all US state seals: it features a portrait of George Washington — the only state seal to depict a president. The portrait is set on a green field within a circular border reading “The Seal of the State of Washington 1889.” The portrait was based on a painting by Gilbert Stuart. Jeweler Charles Talcott and watchmaker L.C. Scheuerman produced the original die using an ink bottle and a postage stamp.

A dark green field — the only green US state flag — bears the state seal at center. Adopted 1923. The green represents the state’s nickname, “The Evergreen State.”

What is on the Washington state seal?

Portrait of George Washington on green field. Adopted 1889. Only US state seal with a portrait of a president.

What is the state motto?

Al-ki (“By and by” in Chinook).

When was the flag adopted?

Dark green field with state seal at center — portrait of George Washington. Adopted 1923. Only US state flag with green field and presidential portrait.

• Smith, Whitney. Flags Through the Ages and Across the World. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1975.
• State Symbols USA. Seal and Flag of Washington. statesymbolsusa.org.

Last reviewed by the Emblema Mundi editorial team on 2026-06-28.