In the center was a sailing vessel used to represent commerce, and above that was a beaver to symbolize the fur trade that was prominent in Oregon's early recorded history.

Above the beaver on a banner was the Latin motto, Alis Volat Propriis, translated as "She flies with her own wings".

[2] Around the perimeter were five stars at the bottom and the words "Seal of the Territory of Oregon" along the top and sides.

[2] The convention appointed Benjamin F. Burch, LaFayette Grover, and James K. Kelly to design a new seal.

[1] According to ORS 186.020, the seal consists of an outer ring with the text "State of Oregon", "1859".

Thirty-three stars surrounding the shield represent the number of states upon Oregon's entry into the union in 1859.