Delaware is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic area of the United States. It shares borders with Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Atlantic Ocean. Delaware covers the top part of the Delmarva Peninsula along with islands in the Delaware River. Delaware is the second-smallest state in land size. It has the sixth-highest population density among all states. Wilmington is the largest city, and Dover serves as the state capital. The state contains only three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. Delaware was the first colony to ratify the Constitution of the United States, giving it the famous nickname "The First State".

What Is Delaware and How Did It Get Its Name?

The state gets its name directly from Delaware Bay. The bay was named in honor of Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr. He served as an early governor of the English Colony of Virginia. European settlers also used this name for the native Lenape people who lived along the river. The family title de La Warr originated in England from Norman French roots. It is connected historically with names found in Sussex in southern England. The term points back to ancient words describing farming landscapes and local estates.

Delaware has earned several fun nicknames over its long history. People proudly call it "The First State" because it approved the federal constitution before any other state. It is also called "The Diamond State" because Thomas Jefferson once described it as a small, valuable jewel. Others call it "The Small Wonder" due to its compact size and natural beauty. Its official state bird gives Delaware another popular title, the "Blue Hen State."

History of Delaware: Discovering the First State

Long before European explorers sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, diverse groups of Native American people thrived across Delaware. The coastal and river valleys were home to the Lenape nation. The southern region of the Delmarva Peninsula was home to the Nanticoke. Small groups of Tockwogh and Tuscarora lived near the western boundaries. These Native American communities hunted wildlife, caught fish in freshwater streams, and tended gardens of squash, beans, and corn.

The Lenape living in the lush Delaware Valley were related to the Munsee tribes of the Hudson River region. They developed settled villages and built large trading networks. When European traders arrived seeking animal furs, native leaders traded pelts for metal tools, cloth, and glass beads. Over time, European expansion and territorial battles involving the Haudenosaunee Confederacy forced many native families to migrate west across the Allegheny Mountains.

Early European Colonies in Delaware

In 1631, settlers from the Netherlands arrived and established a trading community named Zwaanendael near modern Lewes. This early attempt ended quickly when conflicts arose with local tribes. In 1638, a team led by Peter Minuit arrived from Sweden to found New Sweden. They constructed Fort Christina, which is now part of the city of Wilmington. Settlers from Sweden and Finland built log cabins, cleared fields, and traded peacefully with native neighbors.

The Dutch governor of New Netherland, Peter Stuyvesant, built a military fort at New Castle in 1651. In 1655, Dutch forces took control of New Sweden and made it part of their colony. English ships arrived under the command of Sir Robert Carr in 1664 to claim the entire territory for James, Duke of York. In 1682, the Duke leased the lands to William Penn, who wanted ocean access for his growing colony of Pennsylvania. These lands were known as the Lower Counties on the Delaware. In 1704, Delaware established its own separate lawmaking body meeting in New Castle.

Delaware in the American Revolutionary War

A two-shilling, six-pence banknote issued by Delaware in 1777

When arguments began between the Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain, Delaware leaders worked carefully to protect local rights. Leading figures like lawyer Thomas McKean actively opposed unfair British taxes like the Stamp Act. Another respected leader, John Dickinson, wrote famous essays explaining American liberties. In June 1776, local patriots decided to separate Delaware from British authority and Pennsylvania control.

A dramatic moment arrived in July 1776 during the vote for the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. Delaware's two delegates held opposing views, with George Read voting against immediate separation. Leader Caesar Rodney rode his horse through a severe thunderstorm for eighty miles overnight to cast the deciding vote for independence. Delaware soldiers served bravely in the Continental Army under leader John Haslet, earning the nickname "Blue Hen's Chicks" for their fierce determination in combat.

The state was the site of the Battle of Cooch's Bridge on September 3, 1777, in New Castle County. British general Sir William Howe marched through Delaware on his way toward the Battle of Brandywine. British forces briefly occupied Wilmington and captured Delaware's leader, John McKinly. On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the very first state to unanimously approve the new Constitution of the United States.

Changes in Society and the Civil War

During the early colonial era, Delaware relied on workers who were indentured servants and people forced into slavery. Over time, farmers shifted their crops from labor-heavy tobacco to grains like wheat and corn. Religious groups such as the Quakers and Methodists encouraged owners to free enslaved workers. By 1810, three-quarters of the Black population in Delaware were free individuals, and that number grew to over 90% by 1860.

In 1813, a free religious leader named Peter Spencer established the Union Church of Africans in Wilmington. This church later became known as the A.U.M.P. Church. In 1814, he began the Big August Quarterly, an annual festival celebrating faith, freedom, and family heritage that continues today.

When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, Delaware remained part of the United States. Delaware troops joined the Union army to defend the country. It was the only slave-holding border state where no military units formed to join the opposing side. Later, national constitutional amendments officially ended slavery and protected voting rights across the nation.

Growth of Modern Industry

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, northern Delaware transformed into an industrial center. The city of Wilmington grew into a powerhouse of factories, metal foundries, and chemical laboratories. The family-owned business DuPont grew from a maker of black powder into a world-famous chemical research company. During World War I and World War II, Delaware factories produced materials, nylon goods, and ships to support Allied forces.

As cities expanded, families moved into Delaware from all over the world, including Italy, Poland, Ireland, and Germany. Later migrations brought many people from Puerto Rico and nations in Latin America. Civil rights lawsuits in Delaware, such as Belton v. Gebhart, joined into the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education. This decision established that dividing public school students by race was illegal under the Constitution.

Geography and Natural Landscapes

The Twelve-Mile Circle

Map of Delaware

Sunset in Woodbrook, Delaware

The Blackbird Pond on the Blackbird State Forest Meadows Tract in New Castle County, Delaware

A field north of Fox Den Road along the Lenape Trail in Middle Run Valley Natural Area

Delaware measures 96 miles in length and varies from 9 to 35 miles across. It covers a total area of 2,489 square miles. The land borders Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the south and west, and the waters of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Along with portions of Maryland and Virginia, Delaware makes up the large coastal area known as the Delmarva Peninsula.

The state's northern border features an interesting curve known as the Twelve-Mile Circle. In early colonial days, surveyors marked a curved boundary twelve miles out from the courthouse dome in New Castle. Another boundary line on the southern edge, called the Transpeninsular Line, marks the border with Maryland. A small parcel of land called The Wedge was disputed for many years until Delaware officially received it in 1921.

Land Shape and Elevation

Delaware has the lowest average ground height of any state in the nation. The highest point is found at Ebright Azimuth in northern New Castle County, rising just 448 feet above sea level. The northern tip of Delaware belongs to the Piedmont Plateau, where visitors can find rolling hills, rocky stream beds, and hardwood forests.

A natural boundary known as the Atlantic Seaboard fall line runs along the Robert Kirkwood Highway between Newark and Wilmington. South of this line lies the wide Atlantic Coastal Plain. This coastal plain features sandy soils, gentle flatlands, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. A low ridge separates streams that flow east into the Delaware Bay from those that flow west toward the Chesapeake Bay.

Climate and Weather Across Delaware

The Köppen climate classification for Delaware

Delaware has a humid subtropical climate that is moderated by the nearby ocean and bay waters. Summers are warm and humid, often bringing afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are generally cool to mild. Northern Delaware gets colder weather and about twenty inches of snow each winter, while southern beach towns often get half that amount.

The southern parts of Sussex County have a long growing season that supports special plants like the needle palm, windmill palm, and dwarf palmetto. The highest temperature ever recorded in Delaware was 110 degrees Fahrenheit at Millsboro on July 21, 1930. The coldest temperature was 17 degrees below zero, also recorded at Millsboro on January 17, 1893.

Plant and Animal Life

Forests across northern Delaware contain mixed hardwood trees like oak, hickory, and beech. The southern two-thirds of the state feature coastal pine woods, sweetgum, and American holly, which serves as Delaware's official state tree. In Trap Pond State Park near Laurel, visitors can explore the northernmost natural stands of bald cypress trees growing right in the water.

Delaware's wetlands provide food and shelter for migratory birds flying along the Atlantic coastline. Animals like the Grey fox, white-tailed deer, river otters, and beavers make their homes in state parks and forests. In coastal waters, visitors can spot Weakfish, blue crabs, and ancient horseshoe crabs that lay eggs on sandy beaches every spring.

Counties, Cities, and Towns

Delaware has three counties, the smallest number of any American state. New Castle County in the north is the most populated and contains busy suburban centers and historic riverfront towns. Kent County in the middle features farming communities, historical landmarks, and the state capital. Sussex County in the south is known for poultry farms, peaceful waterways, and popular ocean beaches.

Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware, serving as a financial and commercial center. Dover is the state capital, where state lawmakers meet to pass legislation. Other cities include Newark, home to the state's largest university, and Lewes, a historic coastal town founded by early Dutch voyagers.

Largest cities or towns in Delaware 2020 U.S. Census populations
Rank	Name	Pop.
1	Wilmington	70,898
2	Dover	39,403
3	Newark	30,601
4	Middletown	23,192
5	Bear	23,060
6	Glasgow	15,288
7	Brookside	14,974
8	Hockessin	13,478
9	Smyrna	12,883
10	Pike Creek Valley	11,692

People and Communities

The population density map for Delaware

Ethnic origins in Delaware

Native American ancestry across Delaware

Delaware population distribution

According to the 2020 United States census, Delaware had a population of 989,948 residents. Delaware has a high population density, averaging over 490 people per square mile. The population is diverse, with communities of European, African, Hispanic, and Asian backgrounds living across all three counties.

Delaware is home to state-recognized Native American tribes, including the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware in Cheswold and the Nanticoke Indian Association in Millsboro. Many descendants celebrate their heritage through annual cultural events and gatherings. Families with roots in Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, India, and China also live and work throughout Delaware.

Most residents speak English at home, while Spanish is spoken by a growing number of community members. A small percentage of residents also speak Chinese, French, or German. Delawareans practice several faiths, including Protestantism, the Catholic Church, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam. A peaceful Amish community lives in rural Kent County near Dover, traveling by horse and buggy.

Economy and Daily Work

Delaware has a diverse economy that includes farming, science, banking, and ocean tourism. Sussex County is a leader in raising chickens for food, supported by large companies like Perdue Farms and Mountaire Farms. Farmers across the state grow soybeans, corn, nursery plants, and delicious fruits like strawberries and peaches.

Wilmington is known as a center for banking and financial services, hosting offices for Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup. Science and medical research thrive through employers such as DuPont, AstraZeneca, and the ChristianaCare health system. Over half of all publicly traded American companies are registered in Delaware because of its clear business regulations under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Visiting Delaware: Parks, Beaches, and Sights

Rehoboth Beach, a popular summer spot

Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island

Delaware welcomes millions of visitors every year to its seaside towns and historic parks. Rehoboth Beach is nicknamed "The Nation's Summer Capital" because families visit from Washington, D.C., and surrounding states. Other popular coastal towns include Lewes, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach, known for clean sand and tax-free boardwalk shopping.

History lovers can visit First State National Historical Park, which preserves colonial sites such as the New Castle Court House Museum and the Dover Green Historic District. Visitors can take a boat ferry out to Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island to see a fortress built to protect the river. Popular events include the Apple Scrapple Festival in Bridgeville and the Firefly Music Festival in Dover.

Schools, Colleges, and Universities

The University of Delaware in Newark

Delaware provides free public schools for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade across its three counties. The state operates several popular charter schools and specialized magnet programs for science, technology, and the arts. In 1999, Delaware became the very first state to connect every public school classroom to the Internet.

Students continue their higher education at several colleges and universities across the state:

University of Delaware in Newark, founded in 1743, is famous for its research programs.
Delaware State University in Dover is a historic institution offering degrees in aviation and sciences.
Delaware Technical Community College has campuses across all three counties.
Wilmington University provides degree programs for working adults and commuters.
Goldey-Beacom College in Pike Creek focuses on business and technology studies.

Getting Around: Transportation

Delaware Route 1 linking ocean towns with northern Delaware

The Cape May–Lewes Ferry

Wilmington Station in Wilmington

The Delaware Department of Transportation, known as DelDOT, manages roadways, traffic lights, and snow plows across the state. Interstate 95 crosses northern Delaware, connecting travelers between Baltimore and Philadelphia. Delaware Route 1 is the primary north-to-south highway that takes travelers from Wilmington down to the southern beaches.

Passenger trains operated by Amtrak stop at Wilmington Station and Newark. Local commuters ride SEPTA regional trains between Delaware and downtown Philadelphia. Travelers can ride the Cape May–Lewes Ferry across Delaware Bay to New Jersey or take the historic Woodland Ferry across the Nanticoke River. Delaware is also home to Dover Air Force Base, which operates cargo aircraft for the United States military.

Government and State Leadership

The Delaware General Assembly meets in Delaware Legislative Hall.

Delaware's state government operates under a constitution written in 1897. The government is divided into three separate branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is led by the Governor of Delaware, who is elected by citizens every four years. The governor lives in Dover and gives an annual State of the State speech.

The legislative branch is called the Delaware General Assembly. It meets in Delaware Legislative Hall in Dover and consists of two parts: the Senate with 21 members and the House of Representatives with 41 members. The judicial branch includes the Delaware Supreme Court and the specialized Delaware Court of Chancery, which resolves corporate disputes for businesses around the world. Delaware's representation in Washington includes two senators and one member in the United States House of Representatives.

Sports and Recreation

Racing at Dover Motor Speedway

Delawareans love outdoor sports, and the state's official sport is bicycling. Many sports fans support professional teams in nearby Philadelphia and Baltimore, cheering for baseball, football, and hockey. College sports are popular, especially the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team representing the University of Delaware.

Auto racing fans gather at Dover Motor Speedway, nicknamed the "Monster Mile," to watch NASCAR races. Minor league baseball fans visit Daniel S. Frawley Stadium in Wilmington to watch the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Basketball fans follow the Delaware Blue Coats in the NBA G League.

Symbols of the First State

Delaware has chosen many official symbols to celebrate its natural wildlife and history:

State Bird: Delaware Blue Hen, known for its blue feathers and bravery.
State Tree: American holly, an evergreen tree with shiny leaves and red berries.
State Flower: Peach blossom, representing the state's historic fruit orchards.
State Insect: 7-spotted ladybug, chosen after students petitioned lawmakers.
State Fish: Weakfish, found in the coastal waters of Delaware Bay.
State Marine Animal: Horseshoe crab, an ancient sea animal found along coastal shores.
State Mineral: Sillimanite, a durable mineral found in northern rocky streams.
State Fossil: Belemnite, an ancient squid-like creature that lived during prehistoric times.

Delaware facts for kids

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