Delaware ( The First / The Diamond State ) The state's name comes from its original inhabitants, the Delaware Indians (also known as the Lenni-Lenape). Delaware was the first of the original 13 states of the Union. It's often called the "First" or "Diamond State" because it was the first state in 1787 to approve the United States Constitution. William Penn acquired the land that makes up Delaware to keep his Pennsylvania colony from being landlocked. Today, Delaware is one of the most industrialized states, known for its chemical research. Lying along the Atlantic coastline, most of Delaware lies in a low, flat coastal plain. The rolling hills and valleys of the Piedmont region cover the northern tip of the state. Delaware's many freshwater lakes and ponds, its ocean beaches and its rivers and streams provide excellent swimming, boating and fishing. Cultural and historical attractions also attract visitors to the state. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Delaware include: Ryan Phillippe, The Flag of Delaware Ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787, as the first State; flag adopted in 1913. Revolutionary War uniforms are honored in the blue and buff colors while commerce (the ship), and agriculture (wheat, corn, ox, farmer) are featured in the coat of arms.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Wilmington, 72,664; Dover, 32,135; Newark, 28,547; Milford, 6,732; Seaford, 6,699; Middletown, 6,161; Elsmere, 5,800; Smyrna 5,679; New Castle, 4,862; Georgetown, 4,643   Business and Trade in Delaware Agriculture: Poultry, nursery stock, soybeans, dairy products, corn. Industries: Chemical products, food processing, paper products, rubber and plastic products, scientific instruments, printing and publishing. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Blue Hen Chicken Flower: Peach Blossom Tree: American Holly (ilex opaca) Song(s): Our Delaware Motto: Liberty and Independence Delaware Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve - Dover • Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Smyrna • Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Milton

Capital: Dover     Local Weather  Statehood: 1787-12-07  Population: 783,600 (401.1 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 2,489.27     Water 535.71     Land 1,953.56     Rank 49th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Delaware, there are 343,072 housing units, averaging to 175.6 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:   Posters and Artwork Map of Delaware Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14" • Benjamin Franklin Bridge over the Delaware River, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA Photographic Print 24" x 8" • Greetings from Wilmington, Delaware Art Print 17" x 11" • Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Pre-Matted Print 14" x 11" • Autumn Vista of the Delaware Water Gap Photographic Print 20" x 16" • Caesar Rodney Statue, Wilmington, Delaware Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14"