Delaware is known as The First State because it was the first of the original 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787. However, it is also known as the Diamond State, the Blue Hen State and Small Wonder.
Delaware became a state in 1776, two months after signing the Declaration of Independence. Originally the capital was located at New Castle, but was moved to Dover in 1777.
With a total area of 1,982 square miles, Delaware is the 49th state in the Union in terms of size. It is 95 miles long and between 9 and 35 miles wide. At its lowest point Delaware sits at sea level, and at its highest point the elevation is 447 feet above sea level.
The state features a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Temperatures range from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to the mid-70s. Delaware receives about 45 inches of rain and snow each year.
The state motto of Delaware is "Liberty and Independence."
Since 1939, the state bird of Delaware has been the Blue Hen, while the state tree has been the American Holly. The Peach Blossom was declared the state flower in 1895, and in 1974 the lady bug was adopted as the state bug.
