Delaware is a small state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, bordered by New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Delaware has three distinct geographical regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Piedmont Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains. The Atlantic Coastal Plain is a flat area stretching from Delaware Bay to Maryland. It is composed of lowland marshes, tidal creeks and sandy beaches. The Piedmont Plateau is an area of rolling hills that lies between the coastal plain and the Appalachian Mountains, and it is characterized by forests, farmland and small towns. The Appalachian Mountains are a range of mountains that form a natural barrier along Delaware’s western border with Pennsylvania. This region contains two national parks: White Clay Creek State Park and First State National Historical Park. The highest point in Delaware is Ebright Azimuth at 447 feet above sea level. Delaware also contains several rivers including the Christina River, Brandywine Creek and Nanticoke River which flow through Wilmington before emptying into Delaware Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. Check intershippingrates for climate in Dover, Delaware.
History
Delaware was first explored by the Dutch in the 1600s and was part of William Penn’s original colony of Pennsylvania. In 1704, Delaware became its own colony, known as “The Three Lower Counties on the Delaware,” with a legislature that provided for self-government. The colonies of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey were all under the same royal rule until 1776. At that time, Delaware declared independence from Great Britain and became known as The Delaware State.
Throughout the Revolutionary War, Delaware was a strategic location for both sides due to its strategic location along the Eastern Seaboard. During this time, many battles were fought in Delaware including the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge near Newark and the Battle of Brandywine near Wilmington. After declaring independence from Great Britain, Delaware joined with other colonies to form the United States of America in 1787 when it ratified the Constitution.
In 1792, Wilmington became home to one of America’s first banks – The Bank of Delaware – which helped finance American industry during this period. Throughout this period and into modern times, Wilmington has been an important port city in America with its access to trade routes along the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to its maritime importance, agriculture has been a major industry for much of its history; fruit orchards were first established in Sussex County in 1681 by Dutch settlers and have continued to be an important part of agriculture ever since.
Culture
Delaware is a unique state with a culture that has been shaped by its location between the North and the South, as well as its history. Delaware was one of the original Thirteen Colonies, and it played an important role in the Revolutionary War. Delaware also has a rich maritime history, as it was home to many shipbuilding yards and other industries related to shipping. This has influenced Delaware’s culture in many ways, including its cuisine. Seafood is very popular in Delaware, particularly crabs, clams, oysters, and other shellfish. Many of these dishes are prepared with traditional ingredients like Old Bay seasoning or Chesapeake-style sauces.
Delaware also has a strong connection to agriculture. The state is known for its produce such as tomatoes and sweet corn, as well as poultry production. There are also numerous wineries throughout the state that make use of local grapes and other fruits to produce delicious wines. The state also hosts several agricultural fairs each year which celebrate all aspects of farming life in Delaware.
In addition to agriculture and seafood, Delaware’s culture is heavily influenced by music and art. Folk music is especially popular in the state due to its roots in both the North and South regions of America. This can be heard at local festivals throughout the summer months where musicians from all over come together to play traditional tunes for their audience members. Art galleries are prevalent throughout the state as well showcasing some of the best pieces produced by local artists from around the region.
State Flag
The state flag of Delaware is composed of a buff-colored diamond on a field of colonial blue. The diamond shape is symbolic of the state’s status as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787, and also represents Delaware’s nickname as “the Diamond State.” Inside the diamond are two different symbols: the state coat of arms, and a sailor and a soldier in period dress standing on either side of it. The coat of arms features a shield with wheat, corn, an ox, and an arm holding a bundle of arrows. Above the shield is a sailing ship, which symbolizes commerce and maritime industry. Below it is the motto “Liberty and Independence,” representing Delaware’s commitment to those ideals during its long history. Flanking either side of the coat of arms are figures representing settlers from Europe and Native Americans who lived in Delaware before European settlement began. On either side stand a soldier wearing Revolutionary War era clothing, carrying a rifle in one hand and a Liberty Cap in another, representing Delaware’s role in securing freedom during that conflict.
