Delaware was the first state to ratify the United
States constitution. It did so on December 7, 1787. The nation’s
first scheduled steam railroad began in New Castle in 1831. Tradition
holds the first time Betsy Rose’s famous flag was flown was at the Battle
of Cooch’s Bridge. The Blue Hen chicken is the official state bird.
The hens were noted for their fighting ability. Delaware is sometimes
referred to as the Blue Hen state. The ladybug is Delaware’s official
state bug. In total area Delaware ranks 49th in the nation. It
contains 1,982 square miles. It is 96 miles long and varies from 9
to 35 miles in width. The American holly is the official state tree.
The Du Pont Laboratories first produced nylon at its plant in Seaford.
This earned the town the distinction of being the Nylon Capital of the world.
Colonial blue and buff are Delaware’s official state colors. Delaware
was named for Lord de la Warr. He was the first governor of Virginia.
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