Page "Seal of Colorado" Paragraph 2

The design for the Territorial Seal which served as a model for the State Seal or Great Seal of Colorado has been variously credited, but the individual primarily responsible was Lewis Ledyard Weld, the Territorial Secretary, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln in July 1861.

There is also evidence that Territorial Governor William Gilpin also was at least partially responsible for the design.

Both Weld and Gilpin were knowledgeable in the art and symbolism of heraldry.

Elements of design from both the Weld and Gilpin families ’ coats of arms are incorporated in the Territorial Seal.