Delaware (DE) is the second smallest state in the USA, located on its eastern coast. The capital is Dover, the largest city is Wilmington. Delaware’s economy focuses heavily on financial and corporate services, with over 60% of U.S. publicly traded companies headquartered there. Delaware was the first state to join the Union on December 7, 1787.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name Delaware Abbreviation DE Capital Dover Largest city Wilmington (Population: 71 675) Current time 13:53 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 mi² (#49 largest US state) Admitted to the Union December 7, 1787 (#1 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Delaware
The capital of Delaware is Dover, which was co-founded in 1683 by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. As is common in the New England region of America, it was named after the city of Dover, Great Britain. Dover became the capital of Delaware in 1777, after the capital was moved from the original 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 Dover, with a population of 39,894, and the third largest city is Newark, with a population of 30,169.
🕒 Time in Delaware
The current time in Delaware is 13:53. The state observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) and switches to Daylight Saving Time EDT (UTC-4) from March to November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Delaware
As of 2023, Delaware had a population of 989,946, making it the 45th most populous state in the USA.
📍 Area of Delaware
Delaware’s total area is only 2,490 mi², making it the 49th largest state in the USA.
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Fun Facts About Delaware
🧩 Delaware Neighboring States
Delaware borders three American states. Its longest border is with Maryland to the west and southwest, Pennsylvania to the north, and New Jersey to the northeast. In addition, it has access to the Atlantic Ocean on the east through Delaware Bay.
📅 Date of Delaware Statehood
Delaware entered the Union on December 7, 1787, as the first state to transition from being a colony.
📛 Nickname of the State of Delaware
Delaware uses several nicknames. The most famous of these is “The First State”, which refers to the fact that on December 7, 1787, it became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
Delaware is sometimes nicknamed “The Small Wonder” because of the large role it has played in the country’s history given its small size.
A lesser-used nickname is “The Diamond State”, which legend has it Delaware received from Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of The Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, to acknowledge its strategic location on the East Coast.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in Delaware
At just 449 ft, Delaware’s highest point is Ebright Azimuth, which lies near the Pennsylvania border. Only Florida has a lower highest point in the state, which is Britton Hill with 345 ft.
🏞️ Rivers in Delaware
The longest river in Delaware is the Delaware River with a total flow length in 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 with approximately 26 thousand students, founded in 1833 in Newark. In second place is Wilmington University with approximately 19 thousand students, which is located in the city of New Castle.
✉️ Delaware ZIP Codes
Delaware has a dedicated range of 197xx-199xx, see the article ZIP Codes in the USA for more information. You can look up a ZIP code for any address on the USPS website.
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Weather in Delaware
The best time of year to visit Delaware is fall, when temperatures are still pleasant and the weather is stable. Visitors can avoid the summer crowds while avoiding the cold winter weather.
Spring in Delaware tends to be rainy, with the most frequent rains occurring in April and May. Temperatures range between 54°F and 63°F, the weather tends to be unstable, and rainy and sunny days alternate quickly.
Delaware summers are humid and warm, with temperatures generally ranging from 73°F to 86°F. Heavy rain and summer thunderstorms are frequent, and high humidity can cause an unpleasantly stuffy feeling.
Autumn in Delaware brings cooler temperatures than usual 54°F to 61°F. There are fewer rainy days than in summer, which creates favorable conditions for tourism.
Winters in Delaware tend to be relatively cold with temperatures around 28°F to 39°F. Especially in January and February, heavy snowfall is frequent, when it can fall 25 cm to 35 cm.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Delaware
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Things to Do in Delaware
1️⃣ Fort Delaware State Park
The main attraction at Fort Delaware State Park is the 1848-1859 historic fort, which lies completely surrounded by water on Pea Patch Island. The fort served as a military prison for captured Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War.
Today, the fort is accessible by ferry, and visitors can tour it with a guide dressed in historical costume.
2️⃣ Delaware Art Museum
The Wilmington Museum of Art is known for its collection of 19th and 20th century American art and illustrations. Exhibits include works by American painters Edward Hopper and Howard Pyle, among others. In addition to the exhibitions, it is possible to take part in various workshops or lectures.
3️⃣ Nemours Estate
The Nemours Estate is a country mansion with French-style gardens that was built in the early 20th century in Wilmington. It was built by American industrialist and philanthropist Alfred Irénée du Pont as a gift for his second wife.
The magnificent gardens adjacent to the mansion are one of the largest of their kind in all of North America, and the house is filled with early 20th century artwork, furniture and decorations. Guided tours of the interiors and exteriors are available.
4️⃣ Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach on the Atlantic coast is one of the most popular resorts in the state of Delaware. It’s known for its sandy beaches, clear water, and pretty boardwalk with shops and restaurants.
In addition to swimming, other water sports can be tried in the local waters, the most popular being surfing or 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. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the park in summer, and visitors can also explore an old quarry where millstones were once made. In winter, the park provides ideal conditions for cross-country skiing.
6️⃣ Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park is located between the Atlantic Ocean and between Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay. It offers visitors a variety of leisure activities such as fishing, surfing and camping. There are several marked hiking trails in the park that offer beautiful views of the coastline and surrounding countryside.
7️⃣ Zwaanendael Museum
The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes is (as the name suggests) dedicated to the history of the first Dutch settlement of Delaware in the 17th century. The museum’s building is built in the Dutch Renaissance Revival style to commemorate the region’s heritage. Exhibits include model ships and other items from the colonial period.
8️⃣ Dover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway is a race track known primarily for the NASCAR car series. Nicknamed the “Monster Mile”, it is popular among motorsports fans for its unique concrete track and raucous atmosphere during races.
The circuit can also be visited outside of race dates, when you can tour the garage facilities or try out the 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 extensive wetlands and cypress forests. Several hiking trails run through the park, and you can float in the wetlands in a rented kayak. Camping or picnicking is possible in the park during peak season, making it a good stop on a family road trip.
🔟 Hagley Museum
The Hagley Museum in Wilmington introduces visitors to American industry and commerce during the 19th century. The museum is located in a former industrial complex on the banks of the Brandywine River on the site of a famous chemical company whose main product was gunpowder.
Visitors to the museum can see the original factories, the workers’ homes, the hydroelectric plant, and an exhibit showcasing the production of gunpowder.
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Largest Cities in Delaware
The table below shows the ten largest cities in the state of Delaware in 2023, the source of the data is the United States Census Bureau, a federal agency whose main job is to count the population.
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
🏒 Ice Hockey (NHL)
Delaware is not represented in the National Hockey League (NHL).
🏈 American Football (NFL)
There is no team from Delaware in the NFL.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
There is no team in Delaware that plays in the NBA.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
No team from Delaware plays in the MLB league.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
There is no team from Delaware in the MLS soccer league.
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Delaware State Symbols
The Delaware General Assembly has adopted dozens of official symbols; here are just a few.
State Flag of Delaware
The flag of Delaware has been in use since July 24, 1913; the exact design has changed slightly since then. The colors of the flag are based on General George Washington’s uniform. On the blue field is a diamond in light yellow-brown, inside it is the state coat of arms. The date December 7, 1787 marks the day Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
Great Seal of Delaware
The Great Seal of the State of Delaware was first adopted on January 17, 1777, its central motif being the same coat of arms found on the flag. The years on the seal commemorate the founding of its own General Assembly (1704), the Declaration of Independence (1776), and the year of ratification of the Constitution (1787).
State Tree
The official state tree is the American Holly (Ilex opaca), which was a common local plant at the time of the 1939 proclamation. Wreaths and other holly decorations were shipped from Delaware throughout the United States.
State Sea Animal
Since 2002, the symbol has been the Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus), which migrates annually in the Delaware Bay area.
State Herb
Sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora), which is commonly found in coastal areas and along the edges of marshes and thickets, was selected as Delaware’s official state herb in 1996.
State Fruit
In 2010, a law was passed that recognized the strawberry as the official symbol of Delaware.
State Flower
In 1895, the peach blossom was declared the official state flower. At that time, orchards with these fruit trees played an important role in the agricultural production of the state.
State Mineral
Sillimanite is a colorless, white or gray mineral that has been the state’s symbol since 1977. A small deposit is located in New Castle County.
State Drink
Since 1983, milk has been the state’s official beverage, a move by lawmakers to recognize the efforts of local farmers.
State Dessert
Delaware even has its own legislatively recognized state dessert, the peach cobbler, a reference to the fruit’s importance at the time. In 1875, for example, 6 million baskets of peaches were picked throughout Delaware; today, production is not as significant.
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