Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Delaware

1. State Motto: "Liberty and Independence".
2. State Bird: Delaware Blue Hen.
3. State Mammal: Grey Fox.
4. State Flag: Features a buff-colored diamond with the state coat of arms and the date December 7, 1787, representing Delaware as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
5. Total Area: 2,489 square miles, making it the second smallest state in the U.S.
6. Delaware is nicknamed "The First State" because it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.
7. It has no state sales tax, making it a popular shopping destination.
8. Rehoboth Beach is known as the "Nation's Summer Capital" because of its popularity among D.C. residents.
9. The DuPont family played a significant role in Delaware's industrial history.
10. Delaware has the fewest counties of any U.S. state, with only three: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex.
11. The Delaware River and Bay were named after Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr.
12. Delaware was the first state to fly the Stars and Stripes flag.
13. It is home to the Dover Air Force Base, one of the largest military mortuary facilities in the U.S.
14. Delaware has more incorporated towns than any other state.
15. Delaware is famous for its "chicken farms," producing millions of broilers annually.

Geography of Delaware

Delaware’s geography is dominated by its coastal plains and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Near Ebright Azimuth (448 feet).
• Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean (Sea Level).
• Major Regions:
  • Coastal Plain: Stretches along the Atlantic and Delaware Bay.
  • Piedmont Plateau: Found in the northernmost part of the state, near Wilmington.

A Brief History of Delaware

Delaware holds a special place in U.S. history:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lenape.
• The Dutch established the first European settlement in 1631 near Lewes.
• Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.

Top 10 Things to Do in Delaware

1. Relax on the beaches of Rehoboth and Bethany.
2. Tour the Nemours Estate in Wilmington.
3. Explore Cape Henlopen State Park.
4. Visit the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover.
5. Walk the cobblestone streets of historic New Castle.
6. Attend the Firefly Music Festival in Dover.
7. See wildlife at the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
8. Shop tax-free in Delaware’s outlets and malls.
9. Take a ferry ride between Lewes, DE, and Cape May, NJ.
10. Visit the Hagley Museum and Library.

Top 10 Destinations in Delaware

1. Dover
2. Rehoboth Beach
3. Wilmington
4. Lewes
5. New Castle

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Delaware, visit the state’s official tourism site: Visit Delaware