first state kids
We are pleased to hear that you are doing research on our great state of Delaware. There are many things about Delaware that you might find interesting...
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Delaware is known as “The First State” because it was the first of the 13 original states to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.
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We hold title to the nickname “The Diamond State”. According to legend, Thomas Jefferson gave this title to Delaware when he described the state as a “jewel” among states due to its strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard.
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If you have to honor a bug, this is a pretty good one to honor. Second graders at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford, DE, thought so, and were able to convince State Legislature, too! Delaware adopted the little critter formally on April 25, 1974.
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You might also hear Delaware referred to as the “Blue Hen State” after the fighting Blue Hen Cocks that were carried with the Delaware Revolutionary War Soldiers for entertainment. The Blue Hen, or more commonly known as the "Fightin' Blue Hen", is now the mascot of the University of Delaware.
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Delaware is home to the nation's current president, Joe Biden! President Biden represented Delaware for 36 years in the U.S. Senate before becoming the 47th Vice President of the United States in 2009. He was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on January 20, 2021. He is also a Blue Hen!
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Our current tagline is 'Endless Discoveries' because there is so much to do, see and learn in Delaware! You may also hear us referred to as the "Small Wonder” due to our relatively small size, yet significant contributions we've made to our country.
Another tidbit is that the Mason-Dixon Line runs right through the northern part the state – that is the line that eventually divided the North from the South during the Civil War. Delaware had an elaborate Underground Railroad system during that war where brave citizens would hide slaves in their homes and on their property as they migrated north to freedom.
Delaware is considered a great place for businesses to incorporate because of our business friendly laws. The DuPont Company is located here and is central to the cultural fabric of Delaware – not just because of the Company and the many people they employ, but the du Pont family has been instrumental in the history of our state.
There are many other things we enjoy that are unique to living in Delaware. There is no sales tax on anything you purchase! We have great beaches and we are strategically located among the hustle and bustle of the Mid-Atlantic region. We are one hour from Baltimore, less than two hours from Washington, D.C., less than two hours from New York City, and only about 40 minutes from Philadelphia – so lots of nearby things to do, but we still enjoy the luxury of living in a smaller town.
Your classmates will be interested to know that Delaware is only nine miles wide at it narrowest point. Just imagine, you can ride your bike across the state in less than one hour!
Enjoy your study of Delaware and as you do, you might want to take a closer look at Cape Henlopen, Fort Delaware, the Kalmar Nyckel, and the du Pont family to help you learn more about our rich heritage.
Have fun with your educational travels through Delaware and please come for a visit some day.
Another tidbit is that the Mason-Dixon Line runs right through the northern part the state – that is the line that eventually divided the North from the South during the Civil War. Delaware had an elaborate Underground Railroad system during that war where brave citizens would hide slaves in their homes and on their property as they migrated north to freedom.
Delaware is considered a great place for businesses to incorporate because of our business friendly laws. The DuPont Company is located here and is central to the cultural fabric of Delaware – not just because of the Company and the many people they employ, but the du Pont family has been instrumental in the history of our state.
There are many other things we enjoy that are unique to living in Delaware. There is no sales tax on anything you purchase! We have great beaches and we are strategically located among the hustle and bustle of the Mid-Atlantic region. We are one hour from Baltimore, less than two hours from Washington, D.C., less than two hours from New York City, and only about 40 minutes from Philadelphia – so lots of nearby things to do, but we still enjoy the luxury of living in a smaller town.
Your classmates will be interested to know that Delaware is only nine miles wide at it narrowest point. Just imagine, you can ride your bike across the state in less than one hour!
Enjoy your study of Delaware and as you do, you might want to take a closer look at Cape Henlopen, Fort Delaware, the Kalmar Nyckel, and the du Pont family to help you learn more about our rich heritage.
Have fun with your educational travels through Delaware and please come for a visit some day.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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