New York has long been known as The Empire State. There's even a famous building in New York City that
carries the name. The precise origin of the name probably cannot be determined with certainty. Some sources place
the origin with George Washington, who referred to the New York City in December 1784 as "at present the seat of the
Empire."
The Great Seal of the State of New York consists of those words surrounding the Arms of New York State.
The current Seal was created in 1882, and is the fifth official version It differs from the original (created in
1777) in its complexity, and in the attention given to the state's claim to national and global significance, as
well as the prominence of its interest in Liberty and Justice.
Click HERE for a description of the Great Seal provided
by the NYS Department of State.
The Great Seal of the State of New York consists of those words surrounding the Arms of New York State.
The current Seal was created in 1882, and is the fifth official version It differs from the original (created in
1777) in its complexity, and in the attention given to the state's claim to national and global significance, as
well as the prominence of its interest in Liberty and Justice.