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E PLURIBUS UNUM – Origin and Meaning
of the Motto Carried by the American Eagle

"E Pluribus Unum" was suggested by the committee Congress appointed on July 4, 1776 to design "a seal for the United States of America." The below sketch of their design accompanied a detailed description of their idea for the new nation's official emblem.

A motto's purpose is to express the theme of a seal's imagery – especially that of the shield.

The center section of their shield has six symbols for "the Countries from which these States have been peopled:" the rose (England), thistle (Scotland), harp (Ireland), fleur-de-lis (France), lion (Holland), and an imperial two-headed eagle (Germany).

Linked together around the shield are 13 smaller shields, each with the initials for one of the "thirteen independent States of America."

Translating E PLURIBUS UNUM The general meaning of each Latin word is clear: Pluribus is related to the English word: "plural." Unum is related to the English word: "unit." E Pluribus Unum describes an action: Many uniting into one. An accurate translation of the motto is "Out of many, one" – a phrase that elegantly captures the symbolism on the shield.

On August 20, 1776, this first committee submitted their design to Congress (including Ben Franklin's idea for a reverse side).

Although their designs were not approved (and two subsequent committees would be appointed), their motto was selected by Charles Thomson six years later when he created the final Great Seal in 1782 and inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM on the scroll carried in the beak of the American bald eagle who carries the "power of peace" in his right talon.

In his official explanation of the Great Seal, Thomson said this motto refers to the union between the states and federal government, as symbolized by the shield of thirteen stripes on the eagle's breast.

Other symbols of unity on the Great Seal:
Bundle of 13 Arrows
Constellation of 13 Stars
(More about the number thirteen.)

Another suggestion made by the first committee was used on the final design: the Eye of Providence on the reverse side above the unfinished pyramid.

Out of Many Designs, One Great Seal
By weaving together symbolic elements from each committee, Charles Thomson created a Great Seal that is itself an example of E pluribus unum: a synthesis of ideas and images.

"The next great step for the human family will be to recognize, in our daily lives, the unity that already exists. And a necessary step is the recognition of the common symbols of this unity." – Joseph Campbell

Watch America's two sides unite.

In the 1770s, symbols of unity were seen in many places, especially on the money. See emblems on Continental Currency that inspired and reflected E Pluribus Unum.

Look on the bright side of America.

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