22 Fun Facts About Delaware You Won’t Believe
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The state’s name derives from the Delaware River, honoring Lord De La Warr, a colonial governor.
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Annie Jump Cannon, born in Dover, classified over 225,000 stars, transforming astronomy.
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Henry Heimlich, a Delawarean, invented the life-saving Heimlich Maneuver in 1975.
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The Blue Hen, inspired by Revolutionary War soldiers’ fighting chickens, is the state bird.
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Pea Patch Island’s name comes from a ship’s spilled pea cargo sprouting plants.
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The state’s first newspaper, the Delaware Gazette, began publication in 1785.
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Fort Delaware, a Civil War prison, held over 33,000 Confederate soldiers.
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The state’s early Dutch settlers introduced ice skating to America in the 1600s.
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Wilmington students built a 113-foot LEGO tower, once the world’s tallest, with 500,000 bricks.
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The American Holly, with red berries and green leaves, is the state tree since 1939.
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The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, a colorful butterfly, became the state butterfly in 1999.
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Firefly Music Festival in Dover attracts top artists for a four-day campout.
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Milk, reflecting the state’s strong dairy industry, is the official beverage since 1983.
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The state hosts the annual Delaware Breakwater Kayak Race, a 12-mile coastal challenge.
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The state’s official fossil, the belemnite, dates back to the Cretaceous period.
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1. It is known as “The First State” because it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787..
Delaware holds a special place in American history as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. This act on December 7, 1787, solidified its position as a leader among the original 13 colonies.
This historical milestone earned Delaware the nickname “The First State,” a title that reflects its pivotal role in the formation of the United States. The state’s early commitment to the Constitution set a precedent for the rest of the nation.
2. It’s the second smallest state in terms of land area, with only 1,948 square miles.
Despite its small size, Delaware packs a lot of history and culture into its 1,948 square miles. As the second smallest state, it’s often overlooked, but its impact is significant.
Delaware’s compact size makes it easy to look around, from its sandy beaches to its historic towns. This small state has a big personality, offering a variety of experiences in a relatively small area.
3. The state has no sales tax.
Delaware is one of the few states in the U.S that does not impose a sales tax, making it a popular shopping destination for residents and visitors alike. This policy has been in place since 1953 and is a significant aspect of the state’s economy.
The absence of sales tax not only boosts consumer spending but also attracts businesses seeking a favorable tax environment, contributing to the state’s economic health.
4. Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
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On December 7, 1787, Delaware earned the nickname “The First State” by being the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. This pivotal moment in American history set the stage for the creation of the United States as it is known today.
Delaware’s early commitment to the Union remains a point of pride among residents, symbolizing their state’s longstanding dedication to national unity and governance. This is one of the fun facts about Delaware that underscores its fundamental role in American history.
5. It has the lowest mean elevation of any state, with an average altitude of 60 feet above sea level.
Delaware’s flat terrain and low elevation make it unique among U.S. states. With an average altitude of just 60 feet, it’s the lowest state in the country.
This geographical feature influences everything from its climate to its agriculture. The low elevation also means that Delaware is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, a concern for its coastal communities.
6. Over 66% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware due to its business-friendly laws.
Delaware is a haven for businesses, with more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies choosing to incorporate here. Its corporate-friendly laws make it an attractive location for companies.
This reputation as a corporate hub has earned Delaware the nickname “The Corporate Capital of the World.” The state’s legal system is designed to support businesses, making it a strategic choice for many corporations.
7. It has the largest population of horseshoe crabs in the world.
Horseshoe crabs are a unique feature of Delaware’s ecosystem, with the state hosting the world’s largest population of these ancient creatures. Their presence is vital to the coastal environment.
These crabs play a crucial role in medical research, as their blood is used to test for bacterial contamination in medical devices and drugs. Their population supports Delaware’s coastal biodiversity and scientific advancements.
8. The Punkin Chunkin Championship was held in Delaware.
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Delaware was famously home to the annual World Championship Punkin Chunkin event, where participants compete to hurl pumpkins as far as possible using various mechanical contrivances. The event, which started in 1986, has become a cherished tradition and a unique aspect of Delaware’s cultural identity.
The competition draws large crowds and fosters a community spirit centered around innovation, fun, and seasonal celebration.
9. The state’s geographic center is in Kent County, 11 miles south of Dover.
Delaware’s geographic center is located in Kent County, just 11 miles south of Dover, the state capital. This spot is often overlooked but is significant for understanding the state’s layout.
While not a popular tourist destination, this central point highlights Delaware’s balanced distribution of land and population across its three counties. It’s a subtle but important aspect of the state’s geography.
10. It has the 22nd-longest coastline among all U.S. states, at 28 miles.
Despite its small size, Delaware boasts a coastline of 28 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. This places it 22nd among all U.S. states in terms of coastline length.
The state’s beaches, like Rehoboth and Dewey, are popular summer destinations, drawing visitors from nearby cities like Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. These coastal areas contribute significantly to Delaware’s tourism industry.
11. It was home to the first log cabins built by Swedish settlers in the 1600s.
Delaware has deep roots in early American history, with Swedish settlers building the first log cabins in the 1600s. These structures were a precursor to the iconic log cabins seen across the United States.
This architectural legacy is a testament to Delaware’s diverse cultural influences. The log cabin design was practical and durable, reflecting the ingenuity of early settlers.
12. Dover Air Force Base is a key military facility.
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Located in the state capital, Dover Air Force Base is one of the largest Air Force bases in the United States and plays a critical role in military operations, cargo transport, and humanitarian missions worldwide.
The base’s presence in Delaware highlights its strategic importance to national security and its role in supporting military and humanitarian efforts globally.
13. The Delaware Memorial Bridge is a major regional landmark.
The Delaware Memorial Bridge, connecting Delaware with New Jersey, is a significant architectural feat and a vital transportation link in the northeastern United States. Completed in 1951, the bridge symbolizes progress and connectivity.
This major thoroughfare not only facilitates commerce and travel in the region but also stands as a testament to mid-20th-century engineering and design achievements. Delaware facts like this bridge’s history showcase the state’s role in regional development and infrastructure.
14. has more corporate entities than residents, with over 1 million businesses registered.
Delaware’s corporate-friendly environment has led to an astonishing number of businesses being registered here—over 1 million, far exceeding its human population. This makes it a unique state in the U.S.
The state’s legal system and tax structure are designed to attract and support businesses, making it a global hub for incorporation. This fact highlights Delaware’s economic significance.
15. The highest point in Delaware is Ebright Azimuth at 447.85 feet.
Ebright Azimuth, located near Wilmington, is Delaware’s highest point at just 447.85 feet above sea level. This modest elevation reflects the state’s overall flat terrain.
While not a towering peak, Ebright Azimuth is a point of interest for geography enthusiasts. It’s a reminder of Delaware’s unique topography compared to more mountainous states.
16. Delaware’s official state bird is the Blue Hen Chicken.
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The Blue Hen Chicken became Delaware’s state bird in 1939, chosen for its historical significance during the American Revolutionary War. Soldiers from Delaware were known as the “Blue Hen’s Chickens” because of their brave and fierce fighting style.
This emblem reflects not only a piece of Delaware’s history but also symbolizes the state’s enduring spirit and resilience.
17. It’s known as “The Diamond State” due to its small size and high value, as described by Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson once referred to Delaware as a “jewel” among the states, leading to its nickname “The Diamond State.” This reflects its small size but significant importance.
Delaware’s role in American history and its economic contributions make it a valuable part of the nation. The nickname also ties into the state’s gem-like qualities—small but precious.
18. It hosted the first tea party in the American colonies, protesting British taxes in 1774.
Before the famous Boston Tea Party, Delaware Hosted its own tea party in 1774. This event in Lewes was a protest against British taxes and a precursor to the American Revolution.
Colonists dumped tea into the harbor, symbolizing growing resistance to British rule. This lesser-known event highlights Delaware’s early revolutionary spirit.
19. The state has more chickens than humans, with a ratio of over 200:1, making it a major poultry producer.
Delaware’s poultry industry is massive, with chickens outnumbering humans by more than 200 to 1. This makes it one of the top poultry-producing states in the country.
The Delmarva Peninsula, which includes parts of Delaware, is known for its chicken farms. The industry supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to the state’s economy.
20. The state is named after the Delaware River and Bay.
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The Delaware River and Bay were named in honor of Sir Thomas West, Lord De La Warr, who was the governor of the Colony of Virginia in the early 1600s. This name was later adopted by the state itself.
Delaware’s geographic and historical significance is deeply tied to its waterways, which have been vital for trade and transportation throughout its history.
21. The state is known for its horseshoe crabs.
Delaware’s beaches are famous for the annual spawning of horseshoe crabs, a prehistoric species that has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. This natural phenomenon attracts researchers and wildlife enthusiasts to witness the spectacle.
Delaware’s horseshoe crab spawning season is not only a marvel of nature but also a critical event for migratory shorebirds, which rely on horseshoe crab eggs for sustenance during their long migrations, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
22. It is home to the first U.S. stock exchange, founded in 1800.
Delaware’s financial history includes being home to the first U.S. stock exchange, founded in 1800. This early exchange laid the groundwork for modern financial markets.
Today, Delaware remains a key player in corporate finance, with many companies choosing to incorporate here. Its legal system continues to support business and innovation.
FAQs
Delaware is known as “The First State” for being the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. It’s also famous for its tax-free shopping, corporate-friendly laws, and its significant role in the poultry industry.
Delaware is called “The Diamond State” because Thomas Jefferson described it as a “jewel” among the states due to its strategic location and small size but high value.
Delaware has three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex.
Delaware was originally founded by the Dutch to expand trade and settlement opportunities in the New World. Later, the English took control, and it became part of the proprietary colony of Pennsylvania before becoming an independent colony in 1704.
Delaware is located on the East Coast of the United States. It borders Maryland to the south and west, Pennsylvania to the north, and New Jersey to the east across the Delaware River.
