The Delaware state seal was first adopted in 1777. The state coat of arms is surrounded by the inscription "Great Seal of the State of Delaware," with three dates below:
1704 - year of the first Delaware General Assembly.
1776 - year independence was declared from Great Britain.
1787 - year Delaware ratified the United States Constitution
(becoming the first state).
Ship - a symbol of Delaware's ship building industry and extensive coastal commerce.
Farmer - represents the central role of farming to the state of Delaware.
Militiaman - recognizes the crucial role of the citizen-soldier to the maintenance of American liberties.
Wheat Sheaf - a symbol of the agricultural vitality of Delaware.
Maize (Indian Corn) - symbolizes the agricultural basis of Delaware's economy.
Water - represents the Delaware River, the state's main artery of commerce and transportation.
Ox - signifies the importance of animal husbandry to Delaware's state economy.
Motto - "Liberty and Independence" was approved in 1847.
