Adopted in 1798 (when Mississippi was still a U.S. territory), the great seal of Mississippi displays an eagle with spread wings and a shield with stars and stripes centered on its chest. The eagle clasps an olive branch and arrows in its talons (symbols of peace and strength).

The eagle is proudly positioned in the center of the seal, with its wings spread wide and its head held high. A bunting of stars and stripes adorns its chest. In its talons, the eagle grasps an olive branch symbolizing a desire for peace and a quiver of arrows representing the power to wage war. The outer circle of the seal holds the words “The Great Seal of the State of Mississippi”.