With the state motto of
"Liberty and Independence," it's no surprise that
Delaware was the first of the original 13 states of the Union;
it's often called the "First" or "Diamond
State." The state's name comes from its original
inhabitants, the Delaware Indians (also known as the
Lenni-Lenape). William Penn acquired the land that makes up
Delaware to keep his Pennsylvania colony from being landlocked.
Today, Delaware is one of the most industrialized states, known
for its chemical research. Dover is the capital; the state flower
is the peach blossom.
State Flower: Peach Blossom
State Motto: Liberty and
independence
State Nickname: Diamond State;
First State; Small Wonder
State Bird: Blue Hen Chicken
Land area: 1,955 sq mi. - Length: 100 miles - Width: 30 miles
10 largest cities (1999 est.):
Wilmington, 71,491; Dover, 32,099; Newark, 28,318; Milford,
7,084; Seaford, 6,724; Smyrna, 6,060; Elsmere, 5,634; New Castle
4,952; Georgetown, 4,554; Middletown, 4,394 - Persons per square mile (1999):
385.5