100 Facts About Delaware State: Interesting and Fun Facts

100 Facts About Delaware

1. Delaware is the second smallest state in the United States, covering an area of just 1,949 square miles.

2. It is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country.

3. Delaware is often referred to as the "First State" because it was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.

4. The capital of Delaware is Dover, which is also the second largest city in the state.

5. Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware and is known as the state's economic and cultural center.

6. The state is bordered by Maryland to the south and west, Pennsylvania to the north, and New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

7. Delaware has only three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex.

8. The state has a population of approximately 989,948 people (as of 2021).

9. Delaware is known for its favorable business laws and low taxes, which has made it a popular location for many corporations.

10. It has the highest number of corporate headquarters per capita in the United States.

11. Delaware does not have a sales tax.

12. The state's official nickname is "The Diamond State."

13. Delaware is named after the Delaware River and Bay, which were named after Sir Thomas West, the first Baron De La Warr.

14. Delaware was originally settled by the Dutch in 1631, but it was later taken over by the English in 1664.

15. Delaware was one of the 13 original colonies that declared independence from British rule and formed the United States.

16. The state played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and was the location of the Battle of Brandywine, one of the largest battles of the war.

17. Delaware is known for its beautiful beaches, including Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Dewey Beach.

18. Rehoboth Beach is often called the "Nation's Summer Capital" because of its popularity as a vacation destination.

19. The state is home to several major universities, including the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Wilmington University.

20. The University of Delaware, located in Newark, is the largest university in the state.

21. Delaware's official state bird is the blue hen chicken.

22. The state tree is the American holly, and the state flower is the peach blossom.

23. Delaware's official state colors are colonial blue and buff.

24. The Delaware Memorial Bridge, which connects Delaware to New Jersey, is one of the longest twin-span suspension bridges in the world.

25. The state is known for its DuPont family, who founded the DuPont chemical company and played a significant role in the state's industrial development.

26. Delaware has a strong agricultural sector and is known for its poultry, dairy products, and soybeans.

27. Dover International Speedway, also known as "The Monster Mile," is a popular NASCAR racing track located in Dover.

28. The state is home to the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a significant stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway.

29. Delaware has a maritime climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

30. The state has a number of historic landmarks, including the Old State House in Dover, which dates back to 1791 and served as the state's capitol until 1933.

31. Delaware is a popular destination for history enthusiasts due to its rich colonial and Revolutionary War heritage.

32. Delaware's state motto is "Liberty and Independence."

33. The state is known for its strong tradition of volunteerism and community involvement.

34. Delaware is a leader in alternative energy, particularly in the area of wind power generation.

35. Delaware has the highest proportion of U.S. patent holders per capita in the country.

36. The state has a diverse cultural scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and art galleries.

37. Delaware is home to the Delaware Art Museum, which features an extensive collection of American art, including works by Howard Pyle and the Wyeth family.

38. The state is known for its annual Delaware State Fair, which showcases agriculture, entertainment, and rides.

39. Delaware is one of only five states that do not have a state sales tax.

40. The state's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.

41. Delaware's economy benefits from its close proximity to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

42. The state has a strong financial sector and is home to many banks and credit card companies.

43. Delaware has a high rate of home ownership, with over 70% of residents owning their homes.

44. The state has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including an extensive network of highways and an international airport in New Castle.

45. Delaware is known for its flat topography and is the lowest-lying state in the United States, with its highest point reaching only 448 feet above sea level.

46. The state experiences a variety of weather patterns, including thunderstorms, nor'easters, and occasional tropical storms.

47. Delaware has several state parks, including Cape Henlopen State Park, which offers hiking trails, camping, and beach access.

48. The state has a strong tradition of local and regional cuisine, including dishes like scrapple, crab cakes, and peach pie.

49. Delaware is home to the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, which celebrates the achievements of athletes from the state.

50. The state is known for its strong sense of community and small-town charm.

51. Delaware is considered a swing state in national politics, with a history of voting for both Democratic and Republican candidates.

52. The state has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

53. Delaware has a strong education system and consistently ranks among the top states in terms of educational achievement.

54. The state has a low crime rate compared to the national average.

55. Delaware's economy was historically dependent on agriculture and manufacturing, but it has shifted towards a service-based economy in recent decades.

56. The state's coastal areas are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise and increased storm intensity.

57. Delaware has a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, art festivals, and performance venues.

58. The state's official dessert is peach pie.

59. Delaware has a rich Native American history, with several tribes, including the Lenape (Delaware), Nanticoke, and Piscataway, having inhabited the region for thousands of years.

60. The state's flag features a buff-colored diamond on a field of colonial blue, with the state seal in the center.

61. Delaware is home to several historical museums and sites, such as the Hagley Museum and Library, Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, and the John Dickinson Plantation.

62. The state is known for its annual Firefly Music Festival, which attracts thousands of music lovers from around the country.

63. Delaware is the only state without any National Park Service units, but it does have several National Wildlife Refuges and historic sites.

64. The state has a relatively low cost of living compared to neighboring states.

65. Delaware's state fish is the weakfish, also known as the sea trout.

66. The state's official insect is the ladybug.

67. Delaware is home to several professional sports teams, including the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Minor League Baseball) and the Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League).

68. The Delaware River and Bay serve as important transportation routes and support commercial shipping and recreational boating.

69. Delaware is known for its strong sense of community and civic engagement.

70. The state has a network of bike trails and pathways, making it a popular destination for cyclists.

71. Delaware's state mineral is sillimanite, which is a type of alumino-silicate mineral.

72. The state has a rich musical heritage, with several notable musicians and bands originating from Delaware, including George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers.

73. Delaware is home to the Delaware Technical Community College, which provides vocational training and associate degrees.

74. The state is known for its annual Punkin Chunkin event, where participants launch pumpkins using various homemade devices.

75. Delaware has a strong tradition of community festivals and fairs, celebrating everything from local seafood to historical events.

76. The state is located in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone.

77. Delaware has a high rate of volunteerism, with many residents actively involved in community service and charitable organizations.

78. The state's official butterfly is the eastern tiger swallowtail.

79. Delaware has a comprehensive system of public libraries, providing access to books, digital resources, and community programs.

80. The state has a robust healthcare system, with several major hospitals and medical centers.

81. Delaware's official fossil is the belemnite, a prehistoric marine cephalopod.

82. The state has a diverse population, with residents of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

83. Delaware is known for its small-town charm and historic downtown areas.

84. The state is home to several wineries and breweries, offering tours and tastings to visitors.

85. Delaware's official dance is the square dance.

86. The state has a strong tradition of horse racing, with several racetracks hosting regular events.

87. Delaware is known for its tax-free shopping, particularly in the Christiana Mall and Tanger Outlets.

88. The state has a well-developed network of public transportation, including buses and trains.

89. Delaware's official macroinvertebrate is the stonefly.

90. The state has a maritime culture and is home to several fishing communities.

91. Delaware has a variety of natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, and coastal dunes.

92. The state is a popular destination for birdwatching, with numerous species of migratory birds passing through during different seasons.

93. Delaware is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, with many local artisans creating unique handmade products.

94. The state's official tall ship is the Kalmar Nyckel, a replica of the ship that brought the first Swedish settlers to Delaware.

95. Delaware has a strong tradition of farming and agriculture, with many farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants.

96. The state has a rich literary history, with several notable authors and poets hailing from Delaware, including John Dickinson and Robert Montgomery Bird.

97. Delaware has a state song called "Our Delaware," written by George H. Bacon.

98. The state's official butterfly garden is located at the Delaware Museum of Natural History.

99. Delaware's official sport is stock car racing.

100. The state has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, with annual Pride events and supportive organizations.

Thank You