Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The U.S. is comprised of 50 states -- each with their own history, laws and geography. Named after English nobleman Sir Thomas West, Lord de la Warr, Delaware is a small state that lies in the eastern half of the country. Despite its size, Delaware holds historical significance and continues to be an important section of the country.
New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland surround Delaware along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. The Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay are two bodies of water that border the state. Delaware is the second smallest state, covering approximately 2,000 square miles.
Delaware is divided into three counties--Kent, New Castle and Sussex. Eleven major cities are scattered throughout these areas. The city of New Castle, appropriately located in New Castle County, was originally the state capital. However, Dover, a city in Kent County, became the new capital in 1777. Despite being the capital, Dover isn't the largest city in the state. That honor goes to Wilmington in New Castle County.
The blue hen chicken has been the state bird since 1939. The weakfish, which is also known as sea trout, gray trout and tiderunner, was adapted as the state fish in 1981. In 2010, the state legislature recognized the gray fox as the state wildlife animal.
The official state song of Delaware is "Our Delaware." George Hynson and Donn Devine wrote the lyrics to the song, while Will Brown composed the musical score. The first three verses celebrate Delaware's three counties. The fourth verse praises the overall state.
The chief products of Delaware's agriculture are corn, milk and soybeans. The fishing industry usually draws in crabs and clams.
On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to approve the U.S. Constitution. This move earned Delaware the nickname "The First State." In 2002, the state government officially recognized this nickname. Delaware's list of unofficial nicknames include: "The Diamond State," "Blue Hen State" and "Small Wonder."