# Delaware

> state of the United States of America

**Wikidata**: [Q1393](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1393)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delaware)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/delaware

## Summary
Delaware is a U.S. state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, known for its early ratification of the U.S. Constitution, making it the first state to do so. It is one of the smallest states in area but plays a disproportionately large role in American history and law. The state is bordered by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, and includes parts of the Delmarva Peninsula.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: State of Delaware
- **Named After**: Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, colonial governor of Virginia
- **Inception**: December 7, 1787 (ratified the U.S. Constitution)
- **Capital**: Dover
- **Largest City**: Wilmington
- **Population**: 989,948 (2020 Census)
- **Area**: 6,452 km²
- **Time Zone**: Eastern Time Zone (UTC−5:00 to UTC−4:00)
- **Coordinates**: Approximate center at 39°N, 75.5°W
- **Borders**: Pennsylvania (north), New Jersey (northeast), Maryland (south and west)
- **Flag**: Flag of Delaware.svg
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Delaware.svg
- **Seal**: Seal of Delaware.svg
- **Demonym**: Delawarean, Delawarian
- **Motto**: Liberty and Independence
- **Nicknames**: The First State, The Small Wonder, Blue Hen State, The Diamond State
- **State Song**: "Our Delaware"
- **State Flower**: Peach Blossom
- **State Tree**: American Holly
- **State Bird**: Blue Hen Chicken
- **State Insect**: Seven-spotted Ladybug
- **State Fish**: Weakfish
- **State Mineral**: Blue Granite
- **State Soil**: Greenwich
- **State Beverage**: Milk
- **State Dog**: German Shepherd Dog
- **State Color**: Colonial Blue
- **State Fossil**: Belemnite
- **State Horse**: Thoroughbred
- **State Shell**: Eastern Oyster
- **State Dessert**: Peach Shortcake
- **State Vegetable**: Sweet Potato
- **State Grain**: Wheat
- **State Amphibian**: Gray Tree Frog
- **State Reptile**: Eastern Box Turtle
- **State Sport**: Baseball
- **State Language**: English
- **State Insect**: Seven-spotted Ladybug
- **State Railroad**: Delaware Railroad
- **State Route Marker**: DE
- **ISO 3166-2 Code**: US-DE
- **FIPS Code**: 10
- **GNIS Feature ID**: 1779781
- **Website**: [https://delaware.gov](https://delaware.gov)

## FAQs

**What is Delaware's historical significance in the United States?**  
Delaware was the first of the original 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, earning it the nickname "The First State." It was previously a British colony known as Delaware Colony, established in 1664.

**What are Delaware's geographic and administrative features?**  
Delaware is divided into three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. It is part of the contiguous United States and the South Atlantic states. The state is located in the Eastern Time Zone and has a total area of 6,452 km². Its geographic center is approximately at 39°N, 75.5°W.

**What is Delaware known for in terms of economy and business?**  
Delaware is renowned for its business-friendly laws, particularly its General Corporation Law, which makes it a preferred state for incorporating businesses. Over 60% of publicly traded companies in the U.S. are incorporated in Delaware, including major corporations like DuPont and Bank of America.

**What are some notable cultural and historical landmarks in Delaware?**  
Delaware is home to several significant sites, including the Delaware Art Museum, Winterthur Museum, and the Cathedral of Saint Peter. The state also hosts the annual World Championship Punkin' Chunkin' and is known for its historic Brandywine Valley.

**What is the significance of the "Blue Hen State" nickname?**  
This nickname refers to the state bird, the Blue Hen Chicken, which was adopted due to its association with the University of Delaware's sports teams and the historical use of these chickens in cockfighting.

**What role does Dover Air Force Base play in Delaware?**  
Dover Air Force Base, located in Dover, is one of the largest Air Force bases in the U.S. and serves as a major hub for military airlift operations. It is also the primary point of return for U.S. military casualties from overseas conflicts.

**What is the Delmarva Peninsula, and how is Delaware involved?**  
The Delmarva Peninsula is shared by Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Delaware occupies the northern portion of the peninsula, which includes areas such as Sussex County. The region is known for its agricultural productivity and coastal beauty.

## Why It Matters
Delaware matters for its pivotal role in American history as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, setting a precedent for the new nation's legal framework. Its strategic location along the Eastern Seaboard has made it historically significant in trade, transportation, and military operations. Economically, Delaware is globally recognized for its corporate law environment, which attracts businesses and investors due to its well-established legal precedents and tax advantages. Culturally, it reflects a blend of colonial heritage, maritime traditions, and modern innovation, making it a unique microcosm of American development.

## Notable For
- **First State to Ratify the U.S. Constitution** (December 7, 1787)
- **Corporate Haven**: Over 60% of U.S. publicly traded companies are incorporated in Delaware
- **Dover Air Force Base**: One of the most critical U.S. military airbases
- **Business-Friendly Laws**: Home to the Delaware General Corporation Law, a model for corporate governance
- **Historic Firsts**: First state to establish a state park system (Brandywine Park, 1901)
- **Unique Nicknames**: Known as "The First State," "The Small Wonder," "Blue Hen State," and "The Diamond State"
- **Cultural Heritage**: Rich in colonial and Revolutionary War history, including sites like the Brandywine Battlefield
- **Tax Advantages**: No sales tax on certain business transactions; no state tax on corporate shares
- **Legal Precedent**: Delaware Court of Chancery is a globally respected source of corporate law decisions
- **Innovation Hub**: Home to DuPont, one of the world’s first industrial research labs
- **Historic Transportation**: Once served by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s Royal Blue train
- **Natural Beauty**: Features scenic areas like the Delaware Bay, Assateague Island, and Brandywine Creek
- **Agricultural Legacy**: Leading producer of lima beans and sweet corn
- **Historic Racing**: Dover Motor Speedway hosts NASCAR events and is known as the "Monster Mile"
- **National Recognition**: First state to offer free public education to all children (1829)
- **Unique Symbols**: Has the most state symbols of any U.S. state, including state grain, state insect, and state sport

## Body

### History
Delaware was originally inhabited by the Lenape and Nanticoke peoples before European colonization. In 1664, it became a British colony under the name Delaware Colony, named after Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr. The region was initially part of the Dutch New Netherland but was later taken by the English. Delaware declared independence from British rule on June 15, 1776, and became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, hence its nickname "The First State."

### Government and Politics
Delaware is a state within the United States and operates under a government structure that includes executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Delaware General Assembly is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives. The state capital is Dover, and the largest city is Wilmington. Delaware's political influence is also seen through its role in national politics, with figures like Nathaniel B. Smithers, a 19th-century politician, representing the state.

### Geography and Demographics
Delaware is located in the Mid-Atlantic region and is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, New Jersey to the northeast, and Maryland to the south and west. It also includes a portion of the Delmarva Peninsula. The state covers 6,452 km² and has a population of approximately 989,948 as of the 2020 Census. The state is divided into three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. The geographic center is near 39°N, 75.5°W.

### Economy
Delaware's economy is notable for its business-friendly environment. Over 60% of U.S. publicly traded companies and 65% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware due to its well-regarded General Corporation Law. The state does not impose a sales tax on business asset transfers and offers flexible corporate governance laws. Major corporations like DuPont and Bank of America have significant ties to Delaware. The state also benefits from its strategic location along the I-95 corridor and proximity to major ports.

### Transportation
Delaware is served by several major transportation routes, including Interstate 95, U.S. Route 13, U.S. Route 40, and U.S. Route 9. The Acela high-speed rail line connects Delaware to major cities along the Eastern Seaboard. Dover Air Force Base is a key military installation and serves as a hub for military airlift operations. The state also has several airports, including New Castle Airport, Laurel Airport, and Smyrna Airport.

### Culture and Education
Delaware has a rich cultural heritage, with institutions like the Delaware Art Museum, Winterthur Museum, and the University of Delaware. The state is also home to the annual Punkin' Chunkin' event and the World Championship Chicken Festival. Educational institutions such as St. Andrew's School and the University of Delaware contribute to the state's academic and cultural landscape.

### Notable Entities and Organizations
- **Delaware Airpark**: A regional airport.
- **Delaware River and Bay**: Major geographic features.
- **Delaware Legislative Hall**: The state capitol building.
- **Delmarva Peninsula**: Shared with Maryland and Virginia.
- **Dover Motor Speedway**: A major motorsport venue.
- **Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library**: Cultural and educational institution.
- **Dover Air Force Base**: Strategic military installation.
- **Chesapeake and Delaware Canal**: Important waterway.
- **Brandywine Creek**: Scenic and historic waterway.
- **Ebright Azimuth**: Highest natural point in Delaware.
- **Newark**: Major city in New Castle County.
- **Wilmington**: Largest city and economic center.

### Symbols and Nicknames
Delaware has the most state symbols of any U.S. state, including the state insect (Seven-spotted Ladybug), state grain (Wheat), and state sport (Baseball). These symbols reflect the state's agricultural heritage and cultural identity. The state's official nickname, "The First State," commemorates its early ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

### Legal and Corporate Significance
Delaware's Court of Chancery is internationally recognized for its expertise in corporate law. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides a stable and predictable legal environment, making it the preferred state for incorporation. This has led to over 1 million business entities being incorporated in Delaware, including major corporations and startups.

### Environmental and Natural Features
Delaware's natural features include the Delaware Bay, the Brandywine Creek, and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The state is also home to several parks and protected areas, including Brandywine Park and the Delaware Nature Society's preserves. The state's lowest natural point is at the Atlantic Ocean, and its highest is Ebright Azimuth at 447 feet.

### Historical and Modern Firsts
Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the first to offer free public education to all children in 1829. It was also the first state to establish a state park system. In modern times, it has been a leader in corporate law and continues to play a significant role in national and international business.

## References

1. [Source](https://governor.delaware.gov/)
2. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Carney_(politician))
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4. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ann_Minner)
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17. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
18. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
19. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
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26. [Source](https://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Tourism-g28929-Delaware-Vacations.html)
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30. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
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32. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Delaware;3891504.html)
33. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
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