Delaware Fast Facts

Delaware Quick Facts

  • Date of Statehood: December 7, 1787
  • Population: 907,135
  • Total Land Area: 2,490 sq mi
    • 35 miles wide, 96 miles long
  • Highest Point: 447.85 feet above sea level near Ebright Road in New Castle County
  • Lowest Point: Sea level along the coast

Major Cities and Counties

  • Kent- 162, 310
  • New Castle- 538,479
  • Sussex- 197,145
  • Capitol: Dover- 36,047
  • Largest City: Wilmington- 70,851

Nicknames

  • “The First State”
    • Delaware’s official nickname is “The First State”. This name was adopted as the official State nickname on May 23, 2002 following a request by Mrs. Anabelle O'Malley's First Grade Class at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School.
  • “Blue Hen State”
    • “The Blue Hen State” is a nickname that alludes to Delaware’s contributions during the Revolutionary War. During the war, soldiers from Delaware would carry fighting Blue Hen Cocks with them for entertainment and as mascots.
  •  “The Diamond State”
    • Legend has it that Thomas Jefferson gave this nickname to Delaware because he described Delaware as a "jewel" among the states due to its strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard and because of its beauty.
  • “The Small Wonder”
    • Despite its small size, Delaware has made significant contributions to the development of our nation; for this reason, many still refer to Delaware as “The Small Wonder”

Fun Facts

  • Motto: “Liberty and Independence”
  • State Song: "Our Delaware"
  • State Colors: colonial blue and buff
  • State Bird: Blue Hen
  • State Flower: Peach Blossom
  • State Marine Animal: Horseshoe Crab
  • State Tree: American Holly

State Bird State Tree State Marine Animal State Flower

Blue Hen Chicken

State Bird

American Holly

State Tree

Horseshoe Crab

State Marine Animal

Peach Blossom

State Flower