Table of Contents
Delaware
The First State
Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution, earning it the moniker “The First State”.1)
2nd Smallest State
Delaware is the country's second-smallest state.2)
Lenape And Nanticoke
Native American tribes such as the Lenape and Nanticoke lived in Delaware before Europeans arrived in the 16th century.3)
Corporate Heaven
Delaware is effectively an onshore corporate refuge. It is home to more than half of all NYSE-listed companies and 60% of the Fortune 500.4)
Thomas West
Delaware is named after Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, the first colonial governor of Virginia and an English lord.5)
State Sport
Delaware's state sport is bicycling.6)
Diamond State
Delaware is known as “The Diamond State” because Thomas Jefferson said said it was a “jewel among states”.7)
Blue Hen State
During the Revolutionary War, troops conducted chicken battles, earning Delaware the nickname “Blue Hen State”.8)
Shoreline
Delaware has more shoreline than the US Virgin Islands and Guam combined due to its marshes, bays, and streams.9)
Cave
There is just one official cave in Delaware.10)
Fewest Counties
Delaware is the state with the fewest counties in the United States.11)
Delaware Bay Oysters
Delaware is famed for its Delaware Bay oysters, which are regarded as the best in the world.12)
DuPont Family
The DuPont family was influential in Delaware's history, culture, and business.13)
Caesar Rodney
Brigadier General Caesar Rodney of Dover is shown on the reverse of the 1999 Delaware state quarter. On July 1, 1776, he traveled 80 miles on horseback to Philadelphia to vote for the United States' freedom. He was also suffering from skin cancer and asthma at the time.14)
More Chickens Than People
There are more hens in Delaware than people.15)
Lowest Average Altitude
Delaware has the lowest average altitude of any state, at around 60 feet above sea level.16)
First Study Abroad
When Professor Raymond W. Kirkbride sent eight juniors to France in 1923, the University of Delaware started the first study abroad program in the United States.17)
Punkin Chunkin Association
The Punkin Chunkin Association's annual world championship tournament is held in Delaware. Plenty of people are expected to witness teams launch pumpkins every year.18)
Horseshoe Crabs
Delaware has the world's biggest colony of horseshoe crabs.19)
No Sales Tax
Delaware has no sales tax, making it a popular destination for budget-conscious visitors.20)
Delaware Memorial Bridge
The Delaware Memorial Bridge, was opened in 1951, is the world's longest twin-span suspension bridge. The bridge connects the states of Delaware and New Jersey.21)
Court of Chancery
The Court of Chancery is a unique court in Delaware. The court is the foremost business court in the United States, and its decisions create Delaware law, notably in corporate entity and fiduciary cases, and are cited as authoritative by other states.22)
Dover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway, often known as the “Monster Mile”, is located in Delaware and stages two NASCAR races each year. 23)
Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach
Tourism is a significant business. Due to the number of visitors from Washington D.C. that come to enjoy the Atlantic's sandy beach as a vacation destination, Delaware's Rehoboth Beach has been dubbed “The Nation's Summer Capital”.24)
William Burton
During the Civil War, Delaware stayed in the Union. According to Governor William Burton, “his state was the first to join the Union by ratifying the constitution, and would be the last to leave it”.25)
First State National Historical Park
When it was established in 2013, First State National Historical Park was formerly known as First State National Monument. The park is a collection of sites located throughout the Delaware Valley, as well as some in Pennsylvania. It tells the story of Dutch, Swedish, English, Finnish, and German settlers and their early interactions with Native Americans.26)
Atlantic Coastal Plain
The Atlantic Coastal Plain is a region in the United States' east that stretches from Florida to New Jersey.27)
Delaware River
The Delaware River originates in New York's Catskill Mountains before flowing south and draining into Delaware Bay. It forms part of the Pennsylvania-New York boundary as well as the whole Pennsylvania-New Jersey border.28)
Delaware's State Colors
One interesting fact about Delaware is how the state colors, Colonial Blue and Buff, came to be. Colonial Blue is a deep royal blue, while Buff is a golden Beige. This was inspired by General George Washington's outfit.29)
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail has been the official butterfly of Delaware since 1999. Males are yellow with black lines, while females have blue under their wings. They look like bird droppings as little caterpillars, which helps them hide from predators. As they expand in size, they become green and have snake-like eyespots.30)