Puzzle

Outer Ring

The Outer Ring showcases the native flora and fauna of Putah Creek, honoring the region's indigenous people and original landscape while celebrating the creek's restoration. Originally, the land's fertility attracted homesteaders, but the creek was diverted, leading to its dryness. Thanks to the efforts of local citizens, the dams were legally required to maintain natural stream flows, resulting in a remarkable increase in riparian species and the return of Steelhead Trout and chinook Salmon.

Intersecting Panels

Two of the radiating panels in the second ring intersect it, spanning from the inner to the outermost ring. These panels symbolize the Pacific Flyway, which is integral to the city's development, vision, and sense of place. One panel depicts radiating fields representing the city's agricultural roots and ongoing leadership in agriculture. It also signifies the commitment to preserving agricultural land. The bird in flight symbolizes aspiration from a poem by Herbert Bauer. The companion panel showcases wetlands and migrating waterfowl, connecting to the region's natural landscape and reflecting citizen and government stewardship.

Central Image

The seal's central image symbolizes the "Crossroads" of geographical and infrastructural elements that have shaped our city's foundation and development. The intersecting lines represent key features such as Putah Creek, the Railroad, Lincoln Highway, Interstate 80, and Highway 113. Putah Creek and its floodplains attracted settlers and played a role in establishing the University State Farm, which later became UC Davis. The railroad has been significant commercially and politically.

Second Ring

The second ring portrays the founding of Davisville and its early development, leading to the incorporation of the City of Davis. The imagery and narrative resemble the lyrical style of the inner ring's early history. It includes visuals such as the Davis Arch, the Pacific Railroad Line established in 1868, Davis Junction's original building or Spanish-style depot from 1914, boats crossing wetlands to Sacramento, the newly built Yolo Causeway in 1915, early farms, cattle ranches, and crops, the 1916 "Purple Circle" fire, and the 1917 vote for incorporation.

Radiating Panels

The eight remaining outer panels, extending from the inner rings, visually depict our city's progress since incorporation. These panels explore themes that connect us to our origins while also projecting into the present and future. The two panels mentioned above exemplify themes like Leadership, Vision, Stewardship, Cooperation, and Aspiration. These themes persist throughout the remaining panels, along with others such as Community, Innovation, Engagement, Global Citizenship, and Optimism.

Unlock the Davis Seal

Outer Ring

Intersecting Panels

Central Image

Second Ring

Radiating Panels

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