Washington — State Seal and Flag

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.”

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.

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.