Delaware

… was the first state to ratify the Constitution, on this date in 1787.

Named for Thomas West, Lord De La Warre, colonial governor of Virginia.

Nicknames: First State, Diamond State.
Motto: “Liberty and Independence.”
Song: “Our Delaware.”

Capital: Dover.
Total area: 2,489 sq. mi (49th), incl. 536 sq. mi. inland water.
Population: 807,385 (45th) (2002 est.).

Delaware Tag

Bird: Blue hen chicken.
Fish: Weakfish.
Flower: Peach blossom.
Insect: Ladybug.
Rock: Sillimanite.
Tree: American holly.