The first seal established in 1828 had a steamboat ascending the falls heading to a wharf laden with boxes and bales.

[2][3] This seal was based on the city's origin of its name by implementing three fleur-de-lis in a triangle in the center representing a century of history for each.

[2] They were surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original states of the nation and the year 1778 marking the first settlements of the Louisville area.

The fleur-de-lis meaning "Lily Flower" was the symbol of King Louis XVI of France, the namesake for Louisville.

This seal was designed during a citywide competition by Louisville native and art director William Glenn Hack.