70 Interesting Facts about Delaware

Delaware is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is the second smallest state by land area, but is one of the most densely populated states in the country. The state’s capital is Dover, and its largest city is Wilmington. Delaware is known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and tax-free shopping. Delaware has a rich history, having been first settled by the Dutch in the 17th century. It was later a part of the British colonies and played an important role in the American Revolution. The state was one of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the United States Constitution, and it is known as “The First State” as a result.

Delaware’s economy is diverse, with key industries including finance, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. The state is home to many major corporations, including DuPont and AstraZeneca. Delaware is also a popular destination for tourists, with attractions such as the Brandywine Valley, the Delaware Bay, and the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Delaware is often cited as having one of the best business environments in the country, due to its low taxes and friendly regulations. The state has no sales tax, making it a popular destination for shopping. Delaware’s government is also known for its transparency and accessibility, and the state has a strong tradition of public service. Overall, Delaware is a unique and interesting state with a lot to offer both residents and visitors.

Beach of Delaware

Do you want to know more about Delaware? Here are 70 interesting facts about Delaware to give us more knowledge about this small state.

1. Delaware is known as “The First State” because it was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
2. The state’s official nickname is the “Diamond State” due to its small size and value to the country.
3. The state is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the south and west, and New Jersey to the east.
4. The total land area of Delaware is just 1,982 square miles.
5. Delaware is the sixth least populous state in the country, with a population of just over 1,000,000 people.
6. The state was named after the Delaware River, which was in turn named after Sir Thomas West, Lord De La Warr, a governor of the Virginia Colony.
7. The state’s highest point is just 448 feet above sea level.
8. The DuPont Company, one of the world’s largest chemical companies, was founded in Delaware in 1802.
9. The state’s official state bird is the Blue Hen Chicken.
10. The Delaware Memorial Bridge is the world’s longest twin suspension bridge.
11. The University of Delaware, founded in 1743, is the oldest university in the state.
12. Delaware’s official state flower is the Peach Blossom.
13. Delaware has the highest proportion of credit card holders in the US.
14. The Delaware River and Bay are important shipping channels for the region.
15. The state’s official state tree is the American Holly.
16. Delaware is one of only five states with no sales tax.
17. Delaware’s official state insect is the Ladybug.
18. The state’s official state song is “Our Delaware”.
19. Delaware is one of the few states without a major sports team.
20. The state’s official state animal is the Gray Fox.
21. The first log cabins in America were built in Delaware in the 17th century.
22. The Delaware Blue Coats is a minor league basketball team based in Wilmington.
23. Delaware’s official state marine animal is the Horseshoe Crab.
24. The state was once known as “New Sweden” due to its early Scandinavian settlers.
25. Delaware was the first state to offer legalized online gambling.
26. The state’s official state fish is the Weakfish.
27. Delaware’s official state wildflower is the Goldenrod.
28. The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington has a collection of over 12,000 works of art.
29. The state’s official state soil is the Greenwich loam.
30. Delaware was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.
31. The state’s official state butterfly is the Tiger Swallowtail.
32. The Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington is the site of the original DuPont gunpowder works.
33. Delaware was the first state to use a state flag, which was adopted in 1913.
34. The state’s official state fossil is the Belemnite.
35. The Rehoboth Beach boardwalk is over a mile long and features a number of restaurants and shops.
36. Delaware has the lowest property taxes in the region.
37. The state’s official state herb is Sweet Goldenrod.
38. The Winterthur Museum and Gardens in Wilmington has a collection of over 90,000 objects, including decorative arts and furniture.
39. Delaware was the last state to abolish the use of the whipping post as a form of punishment, in 1972.
40. The state’s official state macroinvertebrate is the Stonefly.
41. The Delaware State Fair, held in Harrington, is one of the oldest and largest agricultural fairs in the country.
42. The state’s official state fruit is the Strawberry.
43. The Delaware Historical Society in Wilmington has a collection of over 75,000 objects and documents related to the state’s history.
44. Delaware has the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the country, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse.
45. The state’s official state mineral is Sillimanite.
46. The Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover has a collection of over 30 aircraft, including military transport planes and helicopters.
47. Delaware has the highest per capita number of lawyers in the country.
48. The state’s official state soil animal is the Lumbricus terrestris (common earthworm).
49. Delaware’s official state macrofungus is the morel mushroom.
50. The Delaware River Basin Commission is a regional governing body that manages the water resources of the Delaware River Basin.
51. The state’s official state butterfly is the Tiger Swallowtail.
52. Delaware is the only state in the country with no national parks, forests, or monuments.
53. The state’s official state wild bird is the Blue Hen Chicken.
54. The Fort Delaware State Park is a Civil War-era fort that was used as a prison for Confederate soldiers.
55. The state’s official state soil conservation plant is the Crownvetch.
56. The Delaware Aviation Museum in Georgetown has a collection of vintage military aircraft, including World War II-era planes.
57. Delaware is home to several popular beaches, including Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach.
58. The state’s official state tree fruit is the Apple.
59. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides transportation across the Delaware Bay between Delaware and New Jersey.
60. The state’s official state herbaceous perennial is the Woodland Phlox.
61. The Wilmington & Western Railroad is a historic steam railroad that offers scenic rides through the Brandywine Valley.
62. Delaware has a strong tradition of horseshoe pitching, and hosts the annual World Horseshoe Pitching Championship.
63. The state’s official state macroalga is the Spirorbis borealis.
64. Delaware is home to several wineries and breweries, including Nassau Valley Vineyards and Dogfish Head Brewery.
65. The state’s official state butterfly is the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.
66. The John Dickinson Plantation is a historic site that was once the home of John Dickinson, a Founding Father of the United States.
67. Delaware is the birthplace of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States.
68. The state’s official state mineral is the sillimanite.
69. The Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in Wilmington honors the achievements of Delaware athletes.
70. The state’s official state macroscopic marine alga is the Wrack seaweed.

Delaware may be small, but it packs a punch with its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and diverse attractions. From the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast to the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley, Delaware offers something for everyone. Its unique status as the first state to ratify the US Constitution and its strategic location in the Mid-Atlantic region have helped shape its history and culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring colonial architecture, visiting a winery, or enjoying a day at the beach, Delaware is a hidden gem that should not be overlooked.