The seal of The Citadel is a circular device depicting a palmetto tree, beneath which is the date of the institution's founding, 1842. Around the rim are the words: THE CITADEL / THE MILITARY COLLEGE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. The seal dates from at least the mid-1950s. Its picture is printed on Citadel cadet and graduate diplomas, is painted on Citadel vehicles, and appears on many official publications of the College.
Many people use the word "seal" to describe any emblem, such as a coat of arms. Strictly speaking, the seal is the device that is embossed on diplomas and other documents, and the word "seal" also applies to pictures of this device. The seal of The Citadel does not contain any mottoes. Two Latin mottoes appear on the cap badge or cap device, as well as on The Citadel's ceremonial mace. These mottoes are taken from the seal of the State of South Carolina. (Sources: information furnished by Registrar's Office and The Citadel Archives; "What Is The Citadel?--A Jumble of Images Confuses the Question," The Citadel Magazine, 3, no. 2 (Winter 2001): 8-12, 14)
There are other Citadel emblems that include the palmetto tree. Set in the pavement in front of the entrance to Mark Clark Hall is a bronze plaque with the palmetto tree and the ovals of the S. C. state seal. A large circular plaque mounted above the stage of the Buyer auditorium in Mark Clark Hall depicts the S. C. state seal around which are inscribed the words: THE CITADEL / THE MILITARY COLLEGE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
