The bald eagle was made national bird of the United States in 1782. The members of congress debated for 6 years before deciding on the bald eagle as our national symbol. The bald was chose because it symbolized strength, courage, freedom, immortality, and that it would look good as our national symbol. The congress decided the eagle was a good animal for our symbol because it was unique. When Europeans first arrived in North America during 1600's there was between 25,000 and 50,000 bald eagles. In 1967 the bald eagle was considered an endangered specious.

President John F. Kennedy wrote to the Audubon Society:

"The Founding Fathers made an appropriate choice when they selected the bald eagle as the emblem of the nation. The fierce beauty and proud independence of this great bird aptly symbolizes the strength and freedom of America.  But as latter-day citizens we shall fail our trust if we permit the eagle to disappear."