Delaware
Delaware is one of the smallest states in America, only Rhode Island is smaller. Wellington is the largest city, but the capital is Dover. See all cities in Delaware. Delaware has some beautiful sights such as the John Dickinson Plantation, the Rockwood Museum and the Governor Ross Mansion. Dover is a pleasant historic town where all events take place around the square. Some old buildings in Dover include the Old State House, the Dover Opera House and Wesley College.
Delaware is largely located on the Delmarva Peninsula, with Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Chesapeake Bay to the west. Delmarva represents the states of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, all three of which are part of the peninsula. Delaware is mostly flat with countryside and a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Delaware is 150 miles from north to south and 55 miles from west to east. The largest rivers are the Delaware and the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal.
History
Delaware was originally inhabited by the oldest Algonquin-speaking Lenni Lenape. Delaware owes its name partly to the Europeans who called the Lenni Lenape people Delawares. In 1630 the Dutch came and founded Zwaanendael, but no settlement was reached. The settlement came about when the Swedes founded Fort Christina. Delaware is derived from the title of Sir Thomas West (Lord de la Warr).
In the early 18th century, three counties split against the passed anti-slavery bill in Pennsylvania. Delaware is nicknamed the First State because it was the first to adopt the Constitution on December 7, 1787. Despite the fact that Delaware had slavery, it remained with the union during the American Civil War. Just before the surrender of the Confederacy, Delaware voted against slavery on February 18, 1865.
Economy
Delaware has a thriving economy thanks to the flexible corporate law that has been introduced. As a result, many corporate headquarters are located in Delaware. After petroleum, the chemical industry is the most important branch of the economy. Poultry, fishing, agriculture, car factories and textiles are also major sources of income.
Abbreviation | DE |
Nickname | First State |
Joined the US as 1st State | Dec 7, 1787 |
Capital city | Dover |
Census | 945.934 |
Surface | 6452 km² |
Geography | Bordering Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland |
Governor | John Carney |
State motto | Liberty and Independence |
Delaware official website | delaware.gov |