Maine became a state March 15, 1820, and in June of that year a committee was appointed by the Legislature "to report a suitable Device and Seal for the State of Maine."

There is no account of the deliberations of this committee, but the description of the Laws of 1820 is so full that there is no doubt regarding the reasons for the choice of symbols:

"A shield, argent, charged with a Pine Tree; a Moose Deer, at the foot of it, recumbent.

Supporters: on the dexter side, a Husbandman, resting on a scythe; on the sinister side, a Seaman, resting on an anchor.

In the foreground, representing sea and land, and under the shield, the name of the State in large Roman capitals.

The whole surmounted by a Crest, the North Star.

The motto, in small Roman capitals, in a label interposed between the Shield and the Crest, viz: 'Dirigo' - (I direct or I lead)."