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DE State Symbols
State Seal of Delaware
By ClassBrain Staff
Apr 21, 2006, 16:34 PST



Original Image from Wikipedia, size modified and sharpened by Cynthia Kirkeby


The Seal of Delaware was first adopted on January 17, 1777, with the current version being adopted April 29, 2004. It contains the state coat of arms surrounded by an inscription.

Coat of arms

At the center of the coat of arms is a shield of horizontal red, blue and white stripes. On the red stripe is a sheaf of wheat and a cob of corn. On the white stripe is an ox standing on grass. Above the shield is a sailing ship. Supporting the shield are a farmer on the left and a soldier on the right. Underneath the shield is the state motto.
  • The sheaf of wheat is taken from the Sussex County seal and signifies the agricultural vitality of the state.
  • The cob of corn was is taken from the Kent County seal and symbolizes the agricultural basis of Delaware's economy.
  • The blue stripe, above the ox, represents the Delaware River, the main stay of the state's commerce and transportation.
  • The ox represents the importance of animal husbandry to the state's economy.
  • The ship is a symbol of New Castle County's ship building industry and Delaware's extensive coastal commerce.
  • The farmer with the hoe represents the central role of farming to the state.
  • The soldier, a militiaman with his musket, recognizes the crucial role of the citizen-soldier to the maintenance of American liberties.
  • The motto, "Liberty and Independence," was provided by the Order of the Cincinnati.

The surrounding inscription reads: "Great Seal of the State of Delaware" and the dates 1704, 1776 and 1787.

The seal was originally adopted in 1777 with minor changes made in 1793, 1847, and 1907. The curret version was adopted in 2004.

Source: Information excerpted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Additional Resources on the Delaware State Seal.

State Seals from the Civil War
These beautiful seals were once used during America’s Civil War. Scan down to see if they have your state
Source: Civil War Clipart


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