Delaware: State Flag, Bird and Facts
Delaware's state bird is the Blue Hen chicken, and its state flower is the peach blossom.
- Capital
- Dover
- Nickname
- The First State
- State bird
- Blue Hen Chicken
- State flower
- Peach blossom
- State tree
- American holly
- Admitted
- December 7, 1787
- Population
- 989,948 (2020 census)
- Motto
- Liberty and Independence
- Region
- South
- Area
- 6,452 km² (2,491 sq mi)
- Highest point
- Near the Ebright Azimuth (449 ft)
- Borders
- Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
About Delaware
Delaware ratified the Constitution before any other state, which is where its official nickname, The First State, comes from. It covers the northeast part of the Delmarva Peninsula and borders Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean. Only one state is smaller by area. It also has the fewest counties of any state, just three: New Castle, Kent and Sussex. Wilmington has the most people, and Dover is the capital.
The name traces back to Delaware Bay, which was named for Thomas West, an English lord who served as Virginia's first colonial governor. On the flag, a buff diamond on colonial blue holds the state coat of arms. Under the diamond is the date December 7, 1787. The blue and buff colors match the uniform George Washington wore.
Did you know?
- The highest point in Delaware is near the Ebright Azimuth, at only 449 feet.
- Delaware is sometimes called the Diamond State, a name tied to Thomas Jefferson.
- The American holly is Delaware's official state tree.
Questions about Delaware
What date is on the Delaware flag?
December 7, 1787. On that day Delaware ratified the U.S. Constitution ahead of every other state.
What is the capital of Delaware?
Dover is the capital. Wilmington is the most populous city.
Sources
- Wikidata Q1393, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Delaware, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Flag of Delaware, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.