Seal of Northampton County, Virginia facts for kids
The seal of Northampton County, Virginia is a special symbol. It was created to show the county's interesting history, its traditional way of life, and its strong connection to the ocean and water. Seals like this are often used by governments to represent their area.
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Understanding the Northampton County Seal
The seal of Northampton County tells a story about the area. It uses different symbols, colors, and dates to share important facts. Each part of the seal has a special meaning.
What the Seal Looks Like
The seal has a gold rope around its edge. This rope shows how much the county is connected to the sea. It also reminds us that Northampton County is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay.
Inside the seal, there are four main sections, called panels. These panels show how people live and work in Northampton County. They represent:
- The county's economy, which means how people make money. This includes agriculture (farming) and fishing.
- The coastal life-style, showing how people live near the water.
- The community's connection to nature. You can see this through pictures of crabs, fish, and geese on the seal.
Important Dates on the Seal
In the middle of the seal, there is an inner circle with three important dates. These dates mark key moments in the county's early history:
- 1603: This is when the first recorded English explorers landed in the area. A person named Bartholomew Gilbert led this landing.
- 1620: This date marks when the first permanent English settlement was established in the county. This means people started living there for good.
- 1634: In this year, Northampton County was officially recognized. It became one of the original "shires" (like a county) of the colony. This colony was governed by England at the time.
Colors and Symbols Explained
The seal uses different colors and shapes, and each has a meaning:
- Black Stems: These thin black lines separate the gold band. They look like the points on a compass. They remind us of the county's long history with boats and the sea.
- Blue Field: The blue area around the map of the county represents clear skies. It also symbolizes calm seas, suggesting peace and good weather.
- Gold Band: This golden circle shows that Northampton County is a "unique area." It means the county is special, precious, and rare.
- White County Shape: The shape of Northampton County itself is shown in white. This color represents sunlight. It also stands for a desire to do well and succeed.
