Editing Seaford, Delaware (section)

== History of Seaford, Delaware ==

Seaford, Delaware, is named after Seaford, East Sussex, in England. The area has a rich history, with land that is now part of western and southern Sussex County originally settled as part of Maryland. Seaford was included in Dorchester County, Maryland, along with nearby towns like Bridgeville, Greenwood, and Middleford, while Blades, Laurel, and Concord belonged to neighboring Somerset County. An error in the delineation of boundary lines led to Delaware's east-west border being inaccurately established between Delmar and Fenwick rather than the intended location at Cape Henlopen. Had this original agreement been honored, Seaford would be situated in Maryland today. The definitive boundary was finally established by surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in 1763 after lengthy legal disputes in London.<ref>Katy Rice, 'Across the Pond', in ''Sussex Society'', September 2011, p. 28</ref> 

The Nanticoke River, which runs through the area, has been inhabited for thousands of years, primarily by the Nanticoke Indians and their ancestors, who have lived along the river for over 6,000 years. The first recorded European exploration of the region occurred in 1608 by Captain John Smith, marking the beginning of interactions with English settlers. Development progressed slowly due to conflicts between the Nanticoke tribe and the newcomers, but once these disputes were resolved, the area flourished.

The first recorded settlement surrounding Seaford involved a large parcel known as "Martin's Hundred," a 1,750-acre tract granted to Jeremiah Jadwin of Virginia on January 22, 1672. Throughout this early period, the river served as major transportation, with roads only beginning to appear in official records around 1720. The area was primarily agricultural and focused heavily on tobacco cultivation, reflective of a plantation lifestyle. Archaeological evidence also suggests that the region east of contemporary Seaford was significant for bog iron production.<ref>City of Seaford Official Website</ref>

Agricultural advancements were made under Governor William Henry Harrison Ross, who held substantial land north of Seaford and constructed an Italian Renaissance-style mansion in 1850 that still stands today. The Civil War fostered divisions within the Seaford community, but the town was officially incorporated on April 6, 1865, adopting a Council-Man-Alderman form of government that it uses today.

By the 20th century, Seaford experienced significant growth, reaching a population of around 2,000 and becoming an economic center on the Delmarva Peninsula. The poultry industry began to flourish in 1925 because of innovations in housing and feeding practices, leading Sussex County to become one of the largest chicken-producing areas in the world. In 1939, the DuPont Company established the world's first nylon plant in Seaford, earning the town the title "Nylon Capital of the World." 

Today, Seaford continues to grow, featuring over 500 retail and service businesses, a stable local government, diverse housing developments, modern healthcare facilities, and numerous educational and recreational opportunities. Its attractive environment offers residents proximity to pristine waterways and beaches along the East Coast.


=== History of the Official City Seal ===

The City Seal of Seaford was originally designed in 1961 by Gary R. Blake, a patrolman in the Seaford Police Department. Each component of the seal represents significant aspects of Seaford's history and the overall heritage of Delaware:

Ship: Symbolizes Seaford’s former name, "Hooper's Landing," and its shipping activities on the Nanticoke River.
Figure One: Represents Delaware, known as the first state.
Sheaf of Wheat: Signifies the region's agricultural heritage.
Corn: Represents the milling industries based in Seaford.
Holly: Depicts Delaware's state tree.
Nylon: Acknowledges the significance of the nylon industry.
Diamond: Reflects Delaware's nickname, the "Diamond State."
Chicken: Symbolizes the poultry industry.
Farmer: Represents agricultural interests.
Indian: Honors the Nanticoke Tribe.
In 2003, the City Council slightly modified the original seal, adding the year "1865" to indicate the date of Seaford's incorporation and correcting the spelling of "Capitol" to "Capital," adhering to proper terminology.<ref>City of Seaford Official Website</ref>