The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird symbol of the United States of America in 1782. The choice was made because the bald eagle’s long life, great strength, and majestic looks inspired those who hoped to build a new nation.
Quick Facts
- The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird symbol of the United States in 1782.
- It was chosen for its long life, strength, and majestic looks.
- The bald eagle represents values like freedom, bravery, and independence.
The bald eagle became the national bird symbol after the founding of the United States, when the country did not yet have an official animal symbol. The new nation wanted to choose an animal that would represent its values and aspirations. After some consideration and debate, the bald eagle was selected.
This powerful bird of prey symbolized courage, strength, freedom, and immortality. Its fierce beauty inspired those working to found and defend the new nation. Ever since it was chosen in 1782, the bald eagle has served as a living representation of the American spirit.
History of the Bald Eagle as National Bird
The bald eagle’s rise to become the national bird was closely tied to the birth of the United States. Exploring how and why this species was chosen provides insight into American history and national identity.
Use of Eagle Symbolism in Early America
Eagle symbolism was already popular in early America before the Revolution and founding. Images and associations of eagles were used in various political and social contexts. For example:
- An early seal of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629 featured a Native American with a bow and arrow clutching an eagle.
- An eagle and snake were featured on a 1775 Revolutionary flag with the warning “Don’t Tread on Me.”
- The same eagle and snake symbol was used by Benjamin Franklin in a 1774 political cartoon.
Eagle imagery resonated with colonists and Patriots during the pre-Revolutionary period, establishing the foundation for the bald eagle’s appeal.
Considering the Eagle as National Symbol
After America won independence, there was much discussion and debate over the new nation’s symbols. A congressional committee was tasked with designing the official seal of the United States.
- On June 20, 1782, the committee recommended using an eagle as the national symbol.
- The accompanying report stated the eagle’s “Superiority as a Bird of action and energy” matched “the Genius of America.”
This shows how early American leaders deliberately chose the eagle for its association with power and vitality.
Selecting the Bald Eagle
The Continental Congress officially adopted the bald eagle as the national bird symbol after the 1782 report. Choosing the specific white-headed species was important since eagles had varied symbolic meanings.
- The golden eagle was considered an imperial bird, used in heraldry by monarchs and despots.
- In contrast, the bald eagle was only found in North America and had associations with liberty and democracy.
For patriotic Americans, the bald eagle stood for national sovereignty and independence from European nobility or royalty.
First Official Use
After adoption by Congress, the bald eagle appeared on official items like:
- The 1782 Great Seal of the United States, still used by the federal government.
- American currency starting with the 1795 gold quarter eagle coin.
- The presidential seal first used by Woodrow Wilson in 1916.
These early appearances solidified the status and popularity of the bald eagle national emblem.
Cultural Meaning of the Bald Eagle
Choosing the bald eagle was not only an official act by American leaders, but reflected the cultural values and aspirations of the new nation.
Positive Symbolism and Meaning
The bald eagle was embraced as a meaningful symbol representing cherished American ideals like:
- Freedom – flying freely above the landscape.
- Courage – its fearsome abilities as a predator.
- Strength – its large size and powerful wings, talons, and beak.
- Independence – breaking away to form its own nation.
- Justice – swooping from the skies to capture prey.
- Power – strong enough to carry off large animals.
- Determination – ability to thrive independently.
- Equality – sovereign authority like great nations.
- Unity – bringing diverse states together.
These positive attributes made the eagle an appealing icon. Bald eagles were also admired for majestic beauty and long lifespan.
Comparison to Other Birds
Before adoption, some suggested other birds that were rejected for failing to meet standards:
Bird | Weaknesses |
---|---|
Wild turkey | Less majestic, not brave or bold |
Turtledove | Weak, vulnerable |
Robin | Too small, timid |
Unlike these other birds, the bald eagle exemplified courage, strength, and independence.
Original Native American Views
Some Native American tribes considered eagles sacred animals, representing bravery, truth, majesty, and purity.
- Eagle feathers and parts were significant in ceremonies and rituals.
- Eagle imagery was part of Southeastern ceremonial dance regalia.
- Navajo leaders carried eagle wood staffs symbolizing authority.
For native cultures, the eagle’s attributes were positive, similar to American associations.
Legal Status of the National Symbol
While popularly embraced from the start, the bald eagle was not officially codified in law as the national bird for over a century.
Original Lack of Legal Declaration
After the Continental Congress adoption, lack of legal specifics created confusion:
- No early laws or statutes formally declared the eagle as national bird.
- Great Seal eagle remained unofficial symbol, not legally sanctioned.
- Bald eagle appeared on emblems through tradition, not law.
Some references to it as the “American eagle” reflected unofficial vernacular usage.
Efforts Toward Legal Recognition
In the 1800s, various unsuccessful attempts were made to legally establish the existing eagle symbol:
- A proposal to put the bald eagle on official coins was made in 1816.
- In 1860, a bill to place a bald eagle on the official flag was introduced but failed.
- An 1865 resolution to formally declare the bald eagle the national bird was tabled.
Despite these early efforts, Congress did not yet pass any law codifying the symbolic bird.
Eventual Legal Designation
It was not until the 1940s that federal law officially recognized the eagle symbol:
- In 1940, a bald eagle emblem was added to the Presidential flag.
- On June 20, 1782, Congress passed a law making the bald eagle the official national bird symbol.
- This legally ratified the informal 1782 Continental Congress action.
Nearly 160 years after initial adoption, the bald eagle finally gained full legal status.
Recent Controversy and Protection
In recent decades, harmful bioaccumulation threatened bald eagles. They gained new legal protection and rebounded successfully.
Pesticide Harms Eagle Population
Widespread use of the pesticide DDT after WWII critically harmed eagle populations:
- DDT poisoned eagles through the food chain when ingested.
- It caused their eggshells to be fragile and break prematurely.
- The number of nesting bald eagles plummeted from around 100,000 to under 500.
This devastation of the national symbol helped spur legal preservation efforts.
Federal Actions to Save the Eagle
In 1940-1950s, Congress passed new laws protecting eagles:
Year | Law |
---|---|
1940 | Bald Eagle Protection Act |
1962 | Banning DDT |
1972 | Eagle Protection Act |
These laws criminalized harming eagles and helped restore populations.
Recovery of Species
Bald eagle numbers rebounded after authorities implemented preservation measures:
- DDT was banned, reducing egg shell thinning.
- Habitat conservation improved food supplies and nesting areas.
- There are now over 300,000 bald eagles, a major revival.
Robust restoration of bald eagles demonstrated effectiveness of environmental policies.
Conclusion
The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird of the United States in 1782 because it symbolized courage, liberty, and independence. Early Americans embraced eagle imagery and meaning. Despite lack of official legal status for years, extensive use of the bald eagle established it as the national bird. Only in 1940 did federal law codify this role. Recent environmental laws helped protect and recover endangered eagle populations, preserving an iconic living symbol of America.