Delaware Theme
State of Delaware
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| Nicknames | The First State The Small Wonder Blue Hen State The Diamond State |
|---|---|
| Motto | Liberty and Independence |
| Demonym | Delawarean |
| Capital | Dover |
| Largest city | Wilmington |
| Area | Ranked: 49th in the US
Total: 2,490 sq miWidth: 30 miles Length: 96 miles Water: 21.5% |
| Population | Ranked: 45th in the US
Total: 897,934Density: 442.6/sq mi Median: income $50,152 (12th) |
| Elevation | Highest Point: near Ebright Azimuth 447.85 ft Mean: 59 ft Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 ft |
| Before statehood | Delaware Colony |
| Admission to Union | December 7, 1787 (1st) |
State Symbols
| Bird | Blue Hen Chicken |
|---|---|
| Butterfly | Eastern Tiger Swallowtail |
| Fish | Weakfish |
| Flower | Peach blossom |
| Insect | Ladybug |
| Tree | American Holly |
| Beverage | Milk |
| Colors | Colonial Blue, Buff |
| Fossil | Belemnite |
| Mineral | Sillimanite |
| Slogan | It’s Good Being First |
| Soil | Greenwich |
| Song | Our Delaware |
Delaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The state takes its name from Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, an English nobleman and Virginia’s first colonial governor, after whom what is now called Cape Henlopen was originally named.
Delaware is located in the northeastern portion of the Delmarva Peninsula and is the second smallest state in area (after Rhode Island). Estimates in 2007 rank the population of Delaware as 45th in the nation, but 6th in population density, with more than 60% of the population in New Castle County. Delaware is divided into three counties. From north to south, these three counties are New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. While the southern two counties have historically been predominantly agricultural, New Castle County has been more industrialized.
The state ranks second in civilian scientists and engineers as a percentage of the workforce and number of patents issued to companies or individuals per 1,000 workers. The history of the state’s economic and industrial development is closely tied to the impact of the Du Pont family, founders and scions of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, one of the world’s largest chemical companies.
Before its coastline was first explored by Europeans in the 16th century, Delaware was inhabited by several groups of Native Americans, including the Lenape in the north and Nanticoke in the south. It was initially colonized by Dutch traders at Zwaanendael, located near the present town of Lewes, in 1631. Delaware was one of the thirteen colonies participating in the American Revolution and on December 7, 1787, became the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States, thereby becoming known as The First State.
Silly Joke
Delaware leads all states in raising chickens. One day a hen laid an orange instead of an egg. Her little chick called out, “Look at the orange marmalade!”
Members
Now, time for a quick shout out to everyone on Atlas Quest from this state!
Letterboxing Cities
And, here are all of the cities in Delaware we’ve hit with letterboxes!