The first version of Milwaukee's seal was developed around the time of the city's incorporation in 1846 and was used on land deeds.

[1] The original now resides in the collection of the Milwaukee County Historical Society, having been donated by the "Old Settlers’ Club", a group formed in 1869 consisting of people who lived in Milwaukee prior to January 1839 and who were devoted to preserving the city's early history.

At the center of the current version is a lighthouse scene showing a sunrise over Lake Michigan.

[1] In 1939 a stained glass version of the seal was created by Conrad Schmitt Studios as part of the Works Progress Administration, and in 1978 this piece of public art was restored and placed inside the Common Council chamber.

[1][2][3] In 1944, Milwaukee's entry in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League wore a uniform patch based on the city seal.