posted February 26, 2014 08:05 PM            

1782 saw the adoption of the Great Seal by the Second Continental Congress. The artist had depicted an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch. The bird was seen to represent authority and power, and the symbols denoted the unity and peaceful purposes of the colonies. However, it wasn't until 1787 that the bald eagle was officially given the status of the nation's national bird.

Significance

Although debate in the Continental Congress featured other nominated animals and birds, the bald eagle displayed a certain strength and pride that the founding fathers thought was a representative of American courage and freedom. Benjamin Franklin famously disagreed, suggesting instead that the turkey or the rattlesnake were animals truer to the nature of America.

What animal do you pick?

I'm of the opinion that the Eagle bested the Turkey because he takes a better head shot.

Franklin had a point...

just for grins a fine Cali garter snake.