on november 25, 1953, a new seal designed by austrian typographer victor hammer was adopted following mayor charles farnsley's campaign for a simpler seal. this seal was based on the city's origin of its name by implementing three fleur-de-lis in a triangle in the center representing a century of history for each. they were surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original states of the nation and the year 1778 marking the first settlements of the louisville area. the fleur-de-lis meaning "lily flower" was the symbol of king louis xvi of france, the namesake for louisville.