50 States – Delaware
Delaware facts and information resource links

Delaware Census Records
Find all the free Delaware census records from 1810-1930.

Delaware State Fair
South Dupont Hwy, Harrington, Delaware 19952

State Information for Delaware

Talk Delaware Forums
The first forum for the first state. Come and chat today!

State of Delaware Facts

Delaware State Symbols:

  • Delaware State Bird: Blue Hen Chicken
  • Delaware State Flower: Peach Blossom
  • Delaware State Tree: American Holly
  • Delaware State Colors: Colonial Blue and Buff
  • Delaware State Song: “Our Delaware”
  • Delaware State Insect: Ladybug
  • Delaware State Butterfly: Tiger Swallowtail
  • Delaware State Fish: Weakfish
  • Delaware State Beverage: Milk

Delaware State Nicknames:

  • First State: December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first of the 13 original states to ratify the United States Constitution.
  • Diamond State: So called by Thomas Jefferson who compared Delaware to a diamond (small but valuable).
  • Blue Hen State: Referring to the official state bird (Blue Hen Chicken), which Delaware Revolutionary War soldiers carried for cockfighting.
  • Small Wonder: A new nickname which honor’s the state’s contributions to the country as well as its natural beauty
  • Corporate Capital: Delaware is well known for business friendly laws which attract corporations to incorporate in the state.

Delaware State Seal:

Adopted on January 17, 1777. Original elements of the seal are as follows:

  • Sheaf of wheat from the Sussex County seal: Signifying the agricultural vitality of the state.
  • Ear of corn from the Kent County seal: Symbolizing the agricultural basis of Delaware’s economy.
  • Blue stripe represents the Delaware River: The central character of commerce and transportation at the time.
  • An ox: Representing the role of animal husbandry to the state’s economy.
  • A ship: Symbolizing the states coastal commerce and ship building industry in New Castle County.
  • The farmer with the hoe: Emphasizing the importance of farming in the state.
  • The soldier (militiaman): Recognized for the protection of American liberties.
  • The state motto: “Liberty and Independence”
  • The state flag.

Delaware History:

  • A Dutchman named Henry Hudson was credited with Delaware’s discovery in 1609.
  • It is named after the Delaware Bay and Delaware River, which in-turn were named after the Virginia governor, Lord De La Warr.
  • The Delaware Tribe of Indians are the Lenni Lenape.
  • The Delaware quarter (1999) was the first produced in the series and depicts the historic horseback ride of Caesar Rodney in 1776.

Interesting Facts about Delaware:

  • The Delaware Memorial Bridge is the longest twin span suspension bridge in the world.
  • The Old Swedes (Holy Trinity Church) is one of the oldest churches in the country still in use.
  • Delaware is one of only five states with no sales tax.
  • More broiler chickens are raised in Sussex County Delaware than any other county in the United States
  • Delaware’s average altitude is about 60 feet above sea level, making it the lowest average altitude of any state
  • Delaware has only three counties – the fewest of any state (which has counties).
  • Washington crossing “the Delaware” refers to the river (from Pennsylvania to New Jersey) and not the state.

Related Pages

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *