About Delaware
Facts About the State of Delaware
Delaware may be the second smallest state in the USA, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to its rich history and fascinating facts. Known as the “First State,” Delaware played a vital role in the founding of the United States, with its residents signing the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. From its colonial beginnings to its modern-day charm, Delaware has plenty of stories to tell.
Learn more about Delaware Historical Society
About Delaware Historical Society
Delaware Historical Society is a non-profit organized dedicated to preserving Delaware history. Explore our website to learn more. Sign up for emails, follow us on Social Media, and support us however you can.
Our Delaware
Remixed by Vince Comegys-Davis, Street Xpressions Dance & Art Academy
“Our Delaware” is the official state song of Delaware. Originally a poem with three verses representing each of the 3 counties, written by George Beswick Hynson in 1904, “Our Delaware” became the state song in 1925, the musical score composed by Will M. S. Brown.
Little State, Big History
Why did the chicken cross I-95? To find their 1,999,999 friends on the other side of course! Delaware has 2 million chickens spread out across all three counties of the second smallest state. As a result of Delaware ranking third most bike-friendly, you might bike past a field and say look at all those chickens!
The Diamond State is a jewel of a place to live with 974,000 people calling it home. When you visit the First State, be sure to call home and say “Hi, I’m in Delaware.”
Scroll to learn more Delaware state facts and explore the rest of the website to find out how you can be a part of Delaware history!
Delaware Nicknames
First State
The first to ratify the Constitution.
Diamond State
Legend has it that Thomas Jefferson called Delaware a “jewel” among the states because of its strategic location along the East Coast.
Blue Hen State
One form of entertainment during the Revolutionary War for Delaware soldiers was cock fighting. It was so popular that Delaware Soldiers brought their own Blue Hens with them during their stay in the army. The Blue Hen was noted for its fighting ability, and because of their bravery, the men of Captain Jonathan Caldwell’s company were soon compared to this breed.
Peach State
The first state to produce peaches commercially.
Small Wonder
Home of Tax-Free Shopping
Corporate Capital
Chemical Capital
How big is Delaware?
square miles
miles long
miles long
Delaware State Facts FAQ
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Delaware State Facts Flashcards
State Bird
Blue Hen
Named in February 1939 after the “Fighting Blue Hens” the mascot of Delaware Revolutionary War soldiers.
State Butterfly
Tiger Swallowtail (Pterourus glaucus)
Adopted June 10, 1999.
State Flower
Peach Blossom
Adopted on May 9, 1895. Beginning in the early 1800s, Delaware became a leading producer of peaches until a blight called “the yellows” destroyed the orchards in the late 1800s.
State Fruit
Strawberry
Adopted as the state fruit in 2010.
State Herb
Sweet Golden Rod
Adopted June 24, 1996 and indigenous to Delaware. Found throughout the state along coastal areas and by marshes.
State Insect
Ladybug
Adopted April 25, 1974, after state schoolchildren petitioned the General Assembly.
State Tree
Holly American
Adopted on May 1,1939. During the late nineteenth century until the 1930s, Sussex County became the leading supplier of holly, used for Christmas decorations and wreaths.
State Fish
Weakfish
Also known as the sea trout or the yellow fin trout, the weak fish was adopted as state fish in 1981, in recognition of sport fishing’s recreational and economic standing in the state of Delaware.
State Beverage
Milk
Adopted on June 3, 1983.
State Colors
Colonial blue and buff
Representing the uniform of General George Washington.
State Shell
Shell of the channeled whelk
Adopted in May 2014.
State Marine Animal
Horseshoe Crab
Adopted on June 25, 2002.
Browse Our Collections
By clicking the image above, a new tab will open to the website for the Lenape Tribe of Delaware.
Land Acknowledgement
We begin by acknowledging with respect, that we gather today in Lenapehoking, traditional homeland of the Lenape people for tens of thousands of years. Sometimes translated “Original People,” the Lenape were known as mediators and called “The Grandfathers”. Encompassing the Delaware River Basin, Lenapehokink includes present-day New Jersey, most of Delaware, the Eastern parts of New York and Pennsylvania, and was home to 20,000 Lenape.
Resources
- Search DHS collections to learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples in Delaware
- Visit the Delaware History Museum and Mitchell Center for African American Heritage to see the “One State, Many Stories” exhibition
- Download the Lenape and Settlers in New Sweden primary source packet
Additional Reading
- “A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement” (Native Governance Center)
- “So you began your event with an Indigenous land acknowledgment. Now what?” (NPR)
- “Honoring Original Indigenous Inhabitants: Land Acknowledgment” (Museum of the American Indian)
