Delaware Facts
Delaware is a small northeastern state that was one of the original 13 colonies. As the first state to ratify the United States Constitution, it has a rich history and is home to many historic landmarks.
The state is also home to three state forests, several sandy beaches, and swampland near its southern border.
Related: Delaware State History
The soil is perfect for farming, so Delaware harvests crops including soybeans, potatoes, corn, and peas.
Quick Facts
Capital: Dover
Population: 962,000
Nickname: The First State, The Diamond State
Key Cities: Wilmington, Dover, Newark
Postal Abbreviation: DE
Major Industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, mining
History
How did Delaware get its name: The state was named after the Delaware River, which was named in honor of Sir Thomas West (Lord De La Warr), who was the ruling governor of the colony of Virginia when Europeans first explored the river.
Date admitted to the Union: Friday, December 7, 1787
Geography
Size: 1,981 sq. miles
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean at sea level
Highest point: Ebright Road at 448 feet
Counties: 3
Famous locations: Hagley Museum and Library, Nemours Mansion and Gardens, Fort Miles, First State Heritage Park, the Kalmar Nyckel
Famous Delawareans
Ryan Phillippe- actor
Simon Diamond- wrestler
Nancy J. Currie- NASA astronaut
Aubrey Plaza- actress
Joe Biden- vice president
Elena Delle Donne- WNBA player
Fun Facts
In Wilmington, Delaware, students once set the record for the world’s tallest LEGO tower.
The tower was 113 feet tall and made from more than 500,000 LEGO bricks.
Delaware is nicknamed The First State because—well, it was the first state! It ratified the constitution on December 7, 1787, five days before any other colony or province.
The name became official in 2002, at the request of a first-grade class.
Another nickname for Delaware is The Diamond State, supposedly given by Thomas Jefferson because Delaware was a “jewel” (thanks to its great location).
Tiny Delaware is the second-smallest state in the United States. It’s under 100 miles long and is just 35 miles wide at its widest point.
Although it’s very small, it’s also the sixth most densely populated state in the nation.
The back of Delaware’s state quarter features Brigadier-General Caesar Rodney from Dover, Delaware. On July 1, 1776, he rode 80 miles to Philadelphia despite his asthma.
He had to cast a very important vote: the deciding vote in favor of American independence.
If you want fast Internet, you might consider moving to Delaware!
The state has the highest Internet speeds in the country, faster than speeds in any other nation except South Korea.
