Delaware (DE) is the second smallest U.S. state, located on the East Coast. Its capital is Dover, while the largest city is Wilmington. The state’s economy is heavily focused on financial and corporate services, with more than 60% of publicly traded U.S. companies incorporated in Delaware. It was the first state to join the Union on December 7, 1787.
-
Table of Contents
Basic Information
Name Delaware Abbreviation DE Capital Dover Largest city Wilmington (Population: 71 675) Current time 20:49 Time zone EST (UTC-5), the state observes Daylight Saving Time EDT (UTC-4) Population 989,946 (#45 most populous US state) Area 2,490 sqmi (#49 largest US state) Admitted to the Union December 7, 1787 (#1 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Delaware
The capital of Delaware is Dover, founded in 1683 by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. As is common in the New England region of the United States, it was named after the city of Dover in the United Kingdom. Dover became the capital of Delaware in 1777, when the seat of government moved from the original capital, New Castle.
🏙️ Largest City in Delaware
The largest city in Delaware is Wilmington, with a population of 71,675 in 2023. The second-largest city is the capital, Dover, with 39,894 residents, followed by Newark, the third-largest city, with a population of 30,169.
🕒 Time in Delaware
The current time in Delaware is 20:49. The state observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) and switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) from March to November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Delaware
According to 2023 data, Delaware had a population of 989,946, making it the 45th most populous state in the U.S.
📍 Area of Delaware
Delaware has a total area of only 2,490 sqmi, making it the 49th largest U.S. state.
-
Fun Facts About the State of Delaware
🧩 Which States Border Delaware
Delaware shares borders with three U.S. states. Its longest border is with Maryland to the west and southwest. To the north, it borders Pennsylvania, and to the northeast, it borders New Jersey. Delaware also has access to the Atlantic Ocean to the east via the Delaware Bay.
📅 Delaware’s Admission to the Union
Delaware joined the Union on December 7, 1787, as the very first state to transition from an existing colony.
📛 Nicknames of the State of Delaware
Delaware uses several nicknames. The most well-known is “The First State”, referencing the fact that it was the first to ratify the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787.
“The Small Wonder” refers to Delaware’s nickname highlighting its historical significance despite its small size.
A less commonly used nickname is “The Diamond State”, which, according to legend, was coined by Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, to highlight Delaware’s strategic location on the East Coast.
⛰️ Highest Point in the State of Delaware
The highest point in Delaware is Ebright Azimuth, at only 449 ft, located near the border with Pennsylvania. Only Florida has a lower high point, with Britton Hill at 345 ft.
🏞️ Rivers in Delaware
The longest river in Delaware is the Delaware River, with a total length across all states of 360 mi. It is followed by the Choptank River (71 mi), Pocomoke River (66 mi), Nanticoke River (64 mi), and Marshyhope Creek (37 mi).
🎓 Universities in Delaware
The largest university is the University of Delaware, located in Newark and founded in 1833, with approximately 26,000 students. The second-largest is Wilmington University in New Castle, with around 19,000 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Delaware
Delaware is assigned the ZIP code range 197xx–199xx. For more details, refer to the article ZIP Codes in the USA. You can also use the USPS ZIP code lookup tool to find postal codes for any address.
-
Weather in Delaware
The best time to visit Delaware is in the fall, when temperatures are still pleasant and the weather is stable. Visitors can avoid the summer crowds and the cold winter weather at the same time.
Spring in Delaware tends to be rainy, with April and May being the wettest months. Temperatures range from 54 °F to 63 °F, and the weather is often unstable, with sunny and rainy days alternating quickly.
Summer in Delaware is humid and warm, with temperatures typically ranging from 73 °F to 86 °F. Heavy rain and summer thunderstorms are common, and the high humidity can create an unpleasant feeling of mugginess.
Fall in Delaware brings cooler temperatures, usually between 54 °F and 61 °F. There are fewer rainy days than in the summer, making it a great season for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Winter in Delaware is relatively cold, with temperatures around 28 °F to 39 °F. Heavy snowfall is especially common in January and February, with 25 cm to 35 cm of snow accumulation.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Delaware
-
What to See in Delaware
1️⃣ Fort Delaware State Park
The main attraction of Fort Delaware State Park is a historic fortress built between 1848 and 1859, located entirely on Pea Patch Island and surrounded by water. During the American Civil War, the fort served as a military prison for captured Confederate soldiers.
Today, the fort is accessible by ferry, and visitors can explore it on a guided tour led by a costumed interpreter.
2️⃣ Delaware Art Museum
Located in Wilmington, the Delaware Art Museum is known for its collection of American art and illustration from the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the featured works are pieces by American painters Edward Hopper and Howard Pyle. In addition to exhibitions, the museum offers a variety of workshops and lectures.
3️⃣ Nemours Estate
Nemours Estate is a French-style country mansion and garden built in the early 20th century in Wilmington. It was constructed by American industrialist and philanthropist Alfred Irénée du Pont as a gift for his second wife.
The estate’s stunning gardens are among the largest of their kind in North America. The mansion is filled with artworks, period furniture, and early 20th-century décor. Guided tours of both the interior and exterior are available.
4️⃣ Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach, located on the Atlantic Ocean, is one of Delaware’s most popular seaside resorts. It is known for its sandy beaches, clean water, and charming boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants.
In addition to swimming, visitors can enjoy other water sports such as surfing and kayaking. During the summer season, Rehoboth Beach hosts numerous cultural events.
5️⃣ Brandywine Creek State Park
Brandywine Creek State Park is located near the city of Wilmington and is known for its hiking trails that run along the Brandywine River. During the summer months, the park is popular among fishing enthusiasts. A notable spot is an old quarry where millstones were produced many years ago. In the winter, the park offers good conditions for cross-country skiing.
6️⃣ Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay. It offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, surfing, and camping. The park features several designated hiking trails with beautiful views of the coastline and surrounding nature.
7️⃣ Zwaanendael Museum
The Zwaanendael Museum in the town of Lewes (as the name suggests) is dedicated to the history of the first Dutch settlement in the state of Delaware during the 17th century. The museum building is constructed in the Dutch Renaissance style, reflecting the region’s heritage. Exhibits include ship models and other items from the colonial era.
8️⃣ Dover International Speedway
The Dover International Speedway is best known for hosting NASCAR racing events. Nicknamed the “Monster Mile”, it is a favorite among motorsports fans for its unique concrete track and the thrilling atmosphere during races.
The speedway can also be visited outside of race dates, when guests can tour the garage facilities or try a driving simulator.
9️⃣ Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond State Park is located in the southern part of the state and is known for its vast wetlands and cypress forests. Several hiking trails run through the park, and visitors can paddle through the wetlands in a rented kayak. During peak season, the park also offers camping and picnic areas, making it a great stop for a family road trip.
🔟 Hagley Museum
The Hagley Museum in Wilmington offers insight into American industry and commerce during the 19th century. The museum is located within a former industrial complex on the banks of the Brandywine River, on the site where a renowned chemical company once operated, primarily producing gunpowder.
Visitors can explore the original factories, workers’ homes, a water-powered mill, and an exhibition showcasing the production of gunpowder.
-
Largest Cities in Delaware
The table shows the ten largest cities in the state of Delaware in 2025, based on data from the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary role is conducting the national census.
City County Population 1 Wilmington New Castle 71,675 Map of Wilmington 2 Dover Kent 39,894 Map of Dover 3 Newark New Castle 30,169 Map of Newark 4 Middletown New Castle 25,022 Map of Middletown 5 Milford Kent, Sussex 13,289 Map of Milford 6 Smyrna Kent, New Castle 13,277 Map of Smyrna 7 Seaford Sussex 8,735 Map of Seaford 8 Georgetown Sussex 7,873 Map of Georgetown 9 Millsboro Sussex 7,637 Map of Millsboro 10 Elsmere New Castle 6,157 Map of Elsmere -
Sports Teams in Delaware
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
Delaware does not have a team in the NHL.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
There is no NFL team based in Delaware.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
Delaware does not have a team playing in the NBA.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
No team from Delaware plays in the MLB.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
There is no MLS soccer team from Delaware.
-
State Symbols of Delaware
The Delaware General Assembly has adopted dozens of official symbols; here are just a few of them.
Delaware State Flag
The Delaware state flag has been in use since July 24, 1913, and its design has undergone slight changes over time. The flag’s colors are based on the uniform of General George Washington. On a blue field sits a buff-colored diamond shape, inside of which is the state’s coat of arms. The date December 7, 1787, marks the day Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States.
Delaware State Seal
The Great Seal of the State of Delaware was first adopted on January 17, 1777. Its central feature is the same coat of arms that appears on the flag. The dates on the seal commemorate the establishment of the General Assembly (1704), the declaration of an independent state (1776), and the ratification of the Constitution (1787).
State Tree
The official state tree is the American holly (Ilex opaca), which was a common local plant when it was designated in 1939. Holly wreaths and other decorations from Delaware were once shipped across the United States.
State Marine Animal
Since 2002, the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) has been recognized as the state marine animal. Every year, it migrates through the Delaware Bay area.
State Herb
In 1996, sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora) was designated as Delaware’s official herb. It typically grows in coastal regions and on the edges of marshes and thickets.
State Fruit
A law passed in 2010 recognized strawberries as the official fruit of Delaware.
State Flower
In 1895, the peach blossom was declared the official state flower. At the time, orchards of these fruit trees played a significant role in the state’s agricultural production.
State Mineral
Sillimanite, a colorless, white, or gray mineral, has been Delaware’s state mineral since 1977. Small deposits are found in New Castle County.
State Beverage
Milk has been the official state beverage since 1983, a designation meant to honor the efforts of local farmers.
State Dessert
Delaware even has an officially recognized state dessert. Peach pie was chosen to highlight the historical importance of peaches. For example, in 1875, Delaware produced 6 million baskets of peaches, though production today is much smaller.
Contribute with Your Question or Personal Experience