Delaware is the 49^th Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 1,955 sq mi and water area of 535 sq mi. It acquired statehood on December 7, 1787. Delaware is the 1^st state of the 50 United States of America. Delaware name is derived from the name of Thomas West, Third Baron De La Warr, Virginia's first colonial governor. Delaware is nicknamed The First State. Delaware's nickname commemorates the state's early ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Geography of Delaware

Capital City: Dover
Population & Density: As per the recent census, the population is above 0.8 million and its growing everyday. Population density is 401.1 persons per sq mi.
Largest cities: Wilmington, Dover , Newark, Milford,Seaford, Middletown Elsmere, Smyrna,New Castle.
Neighbor States: Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.
Natural Treasures: Mineral - Sillimanite

State Facts:

Delaware Motto: Liberty and Independence
State Symbols: Bird - Blue Hen Chicken, Fish - Weakfish, Flower - Peach Blossom, Tree - American Holly, Song - "Our Delaware" written by George B. Hynson

Economy of Delaware

Personal income per Capita - $23,305 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Poultry, Nursery Stock, Soybeans, Dairy Products, Corn.
Industry - Chemical Products, Food Processing, Paper Products, Rubber and Plastic Products, Scientific Instruments, Printing and Publishing.

History of Delaware

Delaware’s economy grew rapidly during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1951, the Delaware Memorial Bridge opened making travel to and from the state much easier. Many factories expanded and large new corporations, such as Chrysler, General Foods, and General Motors, moved into Delaware. In 1980, the state adopted a constitutional limit that restricted government spending to 95 per cent of the government’s expected revenue. This improved the state’s economy. The tourist industry also increased. By 1993, more Delawareans had jobs than ever before.

The Delaware state flag has a background of colonial blue surrounding a diamond of buff color in which the coat of arms of the state is placed. Below the diamond are the words "December 7, 1787," indicating the day on which Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States constitution. Because of this action, Delaware became the first state in the Union, and is, therefore, accorded the first position in such national events as presidential inaugurations. According to members of the original commission established to design the flag, the shades of buff and colonial blue represent those of the uniform of General George Washington. Inside the diamond, the flag recognizes the importance of commerce {the ship} and agriculture {wheat, corn, the ox and the farmer} to the state. Tribute is also paid to the revolutionary war soldiers. The words in the ribbon banner read Liberty and Independence.

Famous people of Delaware

Robert Montgomery Bird (1805-1854) Playwright, author, born in New Castle.
Eleuthère Irénée du Pont (1771-1834) Industrialist and founder of the DuPont Company; lived on a farm on the banks of the Brandywine River.
George Read (1734-1798) Jurist, signer of Declaration of Independence; lived in the county of Newcastle.
Caesar Rodney (1730-1783) Patriot, signer of Declaration of Independence; lived in Kent county.

Interesting Facts about Delaware

• Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States constitution. It did so on December 7, 1787.
• Hagley Museum was originally the du Pont black powder manufactory, estate, and gardens.
• John Dickinson was a signer of the United States Constitution, but he didn’t sign his own name. Dickinson had to leave the meeting, so George Read signed for him.
• The United States flag was reportedly first flown in the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge in Delaware on Sept. 3, 1777.