Delaware State Symbols

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 1704, 1776 and 1787. Descriptions 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 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 official in 1847.

The Dates 1704, the year that Delaware established its General Assembly 1776, the year that our independence from Great Britain was declared and 1787, the year that Delaware became "the First State" by being the first colony to ratify the United States Constitution.

Adopted on July 24, 1913, the Delaware state flag has a background of colonial blue surrounding a diamond of buff color in which the coat of arms of the state is placed. The colors represent those of the uniform of General George Washington.

Inside the diamond, the flag recognizes the importance of commerce {the ship} and agriculture {wheat, corn, the ox and the farmer} to the state. Tribute is also paid to the Revolutionary War Soldiers. The words in the banner read Liberty and Independence.

Below the diamond are the words "December 7, 1787," indicating the day on which Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States constitution. Because of this action, Delaware became the first state in the Union.