The seal of Michigan depicts the state's coat-of-arms on a dark blue field. On the light blue shield the sun rises over a lake and peninsula, a man with raised hand and holding a long gun represents peace and the ability to defend his rights. The elk and moose are symbols of Michigan, while the bald eagle represents the United States.
The design features three Latin mottos. From top-to-bottom they are:
On red ribbon: E Pluribus Unum, "Out of many, one", a motto of the United States
On light blue shield: Tuebor, "I will defend"
On white ribbon: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you" (the official state motto)
Act 19 of 1963 (http://www.michiganlegislature.org/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=mcl-2-42&queryid=8500224) states that "The great seal shall be comprised of the coat of arms of the state around which shall appear the words 'great seal of the state of Michigan, A.D. MDCCCXXXV.' "
Michigan was explored and settled by French voyageurs in the 17th century.
Michigan's state universities are immune from control by the legislature, the governor and most aspects of the executive branch, and the cities in or near which they are located; but they are not immune from the authority of the courts.
Michigan was the first state in the Union to abolish the death penalty, in 1846.
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