How Did the Bald Eagle Become America’s National Bird?

The bald eagle’s ascent to the status of America’s national bird is a story that intertwines the ideals of the American Revolution with the deep-rooted Indigenous reverence for this majestic raptor. Long before the Continental Congress adopted the eagle as a central element of the Great Seal in 1782, Native American nations across the continent had already woven the bird into their spiritual and cultural fabric. For many tribes, the eagle represented strength, vision, and a sacred connection to the Creator. This article explores how the bald eagle became a national symbol, the political process behind the Great Seal, and the often-overlooked Indigenous heritage that gives the eagle its enduring power.

The Sacred Eagle in Indigenous Cultures

For thousands of years, Native American tribes have regarded the eagle as a messenger of the Creator and a symbol of courage and wisdom. In the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, eagle feathers were used in the Gayanashagowa (Great Law of Peace) to symbolize the authority of the council and the unity of the Five Nations. The wampum belts that recorded treaties and covenants often incorporated eagle motifs, reflecting the bird’s role as a witness to agreements. Among the Lakota, the Wanbli (eagle) is central to the Sun Dance and the vision quest; eagle feathers are among the most sacred items a warrior can earn. The Diné (Navajo) similarly hold the eagle in high esteem, using its feathers in ceremonies and as part of the tsá (eagle) bundle.

These cultural traditions underscore that the eagle was not merely a symbol of strength but a spiritual entity whose qualities—clear vision, high flight, and predatory prowess—were admired and emulated. When the Founding Fathers selected the bald eagle for the national seal, they were, perhaps unwittingly, tapping into a pre-existing Indigenous iconography that had shaped the continent’s cultural landscape for millennia.

The Creation of the Great Seal and the Eagle’s Election

The journey to the bald eagle’s official adoption began shortly after July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress tasked Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams with designing a seal for the new nation. Their initial design, which featured a scene from the Book of Exodus, was rejected. Two subsequent committees also failed to produce an acceptable design. In mid-June 1782, the work of all three committees was handed to Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress. Thomson, drawing on elements from previous proposals, made the eagle—introduced by artist William Barton of Pennsylvania—more prominent. Thomson recommended replacing Barton’s small white eagle with the American bald eagle, and Congress adopted the design on June 20, 1782.

Contrary to popular legend, there is no evidence that Benjamin Franklin formally protested the choice of the bald eagle or lobbied for the turkey. However, in a 1784 letter to his daughter, Franklin did criticize the eagle as a bird of “bad moral character,” noting that it often steals food from other birds. This private remark has been exaggerated into a myth, but it reflects Franklin’s personal opinion rather than an official stance. The bald eagle’s selection was thus a product of committee compromise rather than a single advocate’s vision.

Indigenous Influence on Revolutionary Symbols

The eagle’s prominence in the Great Seal was not the only instance of Indigenous influence on the symbols of the new republic. The design of the seal also incorporated elements from Native American governance, such as the bundle of arrows held by the eagle, which some scholars link to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s symbolism of unity. The Iroquois Confederacy’s political structure had already inspired aspects of the U.S. Constitution, and the eagle’s dual role as a heraldic emblem and a sacred being resonated with both European and Indigenous traditions. This cross-cultural exchange highlights the complex interplay of cultures during the American Revolution.

The Bald Eagle’s Struggle for Survival

Despite its symbolic status, the bald eagle faced near-extinction in the 20th century. In the late 1800s, an estimated 100,000 nesting bald eagles inhabited the United States, but habitat destruction and hunting decimated the population. In 1940, Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act, making it illegal to possess, kill, or sell the birds. A new threat emerged when eagles ingested prey contaminated with DDT, a pesticide widely used after World War II. By the 1960s, only about 400 breeding pairs remained in the continental U.S., and in 1978 the bald eagle was listed as endangered.

Federal protections and the regulation of DDT led to a remarkable recovery. By 1995, the bald eagle’s status was upgraded from endangered to threatened, and in 2007 it was removed from the list entirely. This conservation success story is a testament to the effectiveness of legal protections and public awareness, and it parallels efforts by Native American tribes to preserve their own cultural and natural heritage.

Historical Context & Key Cultural Takeaways

The Eagle as a Bridge Between Worlds

The bald eagle’s journey from Indigenous sacred symbol to national emblem is a narrative of cultural convergence. For Native Americans, the eagle was never merely a heraldic device; it was a living embodiment of spiritual power. The Founding Fathers’ adoption of the eagle was likely influenced by European heraldic traditions, but its deeper resonance owes much to the continent’s original inhabitants. The eagle’s image on U.S. currency, flags, and government buildings thus carries layers of meaning that reflect both the ideals of the Revolution and the enduring legacy of Native American spirituality.

Legal Protection and Indigenous Rights

The bald eagle’s recovery was driven by legislation that sometimes conflicted with Native American religious practices. The Bald Eagle Protection Act restricted the possession of eagle feathers, which are essential to many tribal ceremonies. In response, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the National Eagle Repository to provide feathers to enrolled tribal members for religious use. This compromise underscores the ongoing tension between conservation laws and Indigenous religious freedom, a theme that continues to shape federal-tribal relations.

Preservation and Education

Today, the bald eagle serves as a focal point for both environmental education and cultural heritage. Museums such as the National Museum of the American Indian display eagle-feather artifacts and explore their significance in tribal life. Tribes themselves run conservation programs that integrate traditional knowledge with modern science, ensuring that the eagle remains a living symbol for future generations. The story of the bald eagle’s rise, near-fall, and recovery is a reminder of the resilience of both nature and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the bald eagle chosen over other birds?

The bald eagle was chosen after several failed attempts to design the Great Seal. Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress, selected the eagle from a design by William Barton and made it the centerpiece. Its association with strength and freedom, as well as its presence in North America, made it a fitting emblem for the new nation.

Did Benjamin Franklin really want the turkey to be the national bird?

No. There is no evidence that Franklin formally proposed the turkey as the national bird. His 1784 letter to his daughter criticized the bald eagle’s moral character but did not advocate for the turkey. The myth likely arose from a misunderstanding of that letter.

How did Native Americans use eagle feathers?

Eagle feathers are among the most sacred items in many Native American cultures. They are used in ceremonies, as part of regalia, and as symbols of honor. For example, the Lakota use eagle feathers in the Sun Dance and to decorate medicine bundles. The feathers are believed to carry prayers to the Creator.

What legal protections exist for bald eagles today?

Bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (1940) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The National Eagle Repository provides eagle feathers to Native Americans for religious purposes, balancing conservation with cultural rights.

How has the bald eagle’s recovery impacted Native American tribes?

The recovery of the bald eagle has allowed for a more consistent supply of feathers through the National Eagle Repository, though demand often exceeds supply. Tribes continue to advocate for the right to use eagle feathers in ceremonies, a practice protected under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978.

Concluding Synthesis: Cultural Legacy and Modern Preservation

The bald eagle’s role as America’s national bird is a multifaceted story that spans Indigenous spirituality, Revolutionary politics, and modern conservation. Its image on the Great Seal was not a sudden inspiration but the result of a collaborative process that drew on both European heraldry and Native American symbolism. As a sacred being in Native cultures, the eagle continues to inspire reverence and respect. The successful recovery of the bald eagle population is a testament to what can be achieved when governments and communities work together. Yet the story also reminds us of the ongoing need to honor Indigenous traditions and ensure that the eagle remains a symbol of freedom and resilience for all.

For further exploration of Native American contributions to American history, see our articles on the Iroquois Confederacy and wampum belts.