The state seal was first adopted on January 17, 1777, and contains the coat of arms. It also bears the inscription around it "Great Seal of the State of Delaware" and the dates 1793, 1847, and 1907. A description of the contents of the seal are as follows:

The Wheat Sheaf:

was adapted from the Sussex County seal and signifies the agricultural vitality of Delaware.

The Ship:

is a symbol of New Castle County's ship building industry and Delaware's extensive coastal commerce.

The Corn:

is taken from the Kent County seal and also symbolizes the agricultural basis of Delaware's economy.

The Farmer:

with the hoe represents the central role of farming to the state.

The Militiaman:

with his musket recognizes the crucial role of the citizen-soldier to the maintenance of American liberties.

The Ox:

represents the importance of animal husbandry to the state economy.

The Water:

(above the Ox) stands for the Delaware River, the main stay of the state's commerce and transportation.

The Motto:

was derived from the Order of Cincinnati, and approved in 1847.

The Dates: mark major changes to the state seal. 1793: the farmer and militiaman were omitted. 1847: the two human figures were reinstated, and the motto adopted. 1907: a modernized version of the 1777 seal, with the words "State of Delaware" added.

Return to Delaware Unit Study

Courtesy of State of Delaware