the first seal established in 1828 had a steamboat ascending the falls heading to a wharf laden with boxes and bales. it was engraved with the words "city of louisville" at the top and "perseverando" at the bottom. perseverando was said to mean "by persevering" and was a part of the city motto "industry and punctuality by persevering." this seal would be used until may 6, 1861 when the city council would approve a new seal. the new seal would be inspired by the emergence of the steam locomotive and the louisville & nashville railroad. it entailed a locomotive with the words "progress" included.