American Heraldry

American Heraldry

Heraldry in the United States of America was first established by European settlers who brought with them the heraldic customs of their respective countries of origin. As the use of coats of arms may be seen as a custom of royals and nobility, it has been debated whether the use of arms is reconcilable with American republican traditions. However, George Washington had said that "heraldry is not incompatible with the purest ideals of republicanism". Several of the "founding fathers" also employed personal arms and a great number of Americans continue to do so.