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
Blue Hen ChickenState Bird |
American HollyState Tree |
Horseshoe CrabState Marine Animal |
Peach BlossomState Flower |