NATIONAL DELAWARE DAY
Fast Facts
- WHEN
- Celebrated annually on July 13
- FOUNDED
- Established in 2017 by National Day
- STAT
- 1st state to ratify US Constitution 1787
- ORIGIN
- Named after Thomas West in 1600s
NATIONAL DELAWARE DAY
Celebrated annually on July 13, National Delaware Day honors the rich history, independent spirit, and cultural milestones of America’s trailblazing state. Though small in size, Delaware’s contributions to American history, industry, and culture are massive.
#NationalDelawareDay
Before achieving statehood, the lands of Delaware were claimed at various times by the Dutch, the Swedes, New York, and Pennsylvania. The names of the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and the state itself trace back to Thomas West, the 12th Baron De la Warr, an early colonial governor of Virginia.
Delaware officially declared its security from British rule and adopted its first state constitution in September 1776. However, its iconic title as "The First State" comes from a later milestone: on December 7, 1787, Delaware became the very first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Drama with the Continental Congress
Delaware’s path to independence was filled with historical suspense. In July 1776, the state’s two attending delegates were completely deadlocked on the vote for independence:
George Read voted against independence, favoring a peaceful protest against the crown.
Thomas McKean voted in favor.
To break the tie, a third delegate, Caesar Rodney, famously rode 80 miles through a thunderstorm from Dover to Philadelphia. He arrived just in time to cast Delaware’s deciding vote for independence, ensuring the colonies presented a united front.
Delaware: First of Many Status
The First Log Cabins in America
Swedish immigrants built the first log cabins in Delaware. The settlers also constructed the Old Swedes Church (now Holy Trinity Church) in Wilmington, which remains one of the oldest standing churches in America.
First American Flag Flown
Tradition holds that the Stars and Stripes flew for the very first time in battle on Delaware soil during the Revolutionary War's Battle of Cooch's Bridge.
The Nation’s First Iron Shipbuilding Yard
Samuel Harlan helped establish the nation’s first iron shipbuilding yard in Wilmington.
The First Narrow-Gauge Railcar in the U.S.
The first narrow-gauge railcar in the U.S. was built by the Jackson and Sharp Company In Wilmington. The company was founded 1863 by Job H. Jackson and Jacob F. Sharp.
The First Modern Beauty Pageant
Rehoboth Beach hosted the first-ever modern beauty pageant to attract summer tourists. Thomas Edison served as one of the judges.
The World's First Nylon Manufacturing Plant
DuPont opened the world’s first commercial nylon manufacturing plant in Seaford. The company shifted production away from making nylon stockings to supply the U.S. Army with material for parachutes and ropes during WWII.
Delaware Flavor and Culture
From coastal beaches to inland farmlands, Delaware’s culinary and cultural identity is distinct.
Peaches & Blue Crabs: Delaware was once the nation's leading peach producer before a late-19th-century blight, but the peach blossom remains the proud state flower. On the coast, summer means saltwater taffy and fresh blue crab cakes.
Scrapple & Pumpkin Chunkin: Bridgeville, Delaware, is home to the RAPA Scrapple Company—the world's largest manufacturer of the classic regional breakfast meat. The town has also played host to the world-famous World Champion Punkin Chunkin competition.
6 Famous Delawareans
Caesar Rodney (East Dover Hundred) - Patriot who made the historic ride to sign the Declaration of Independence. He later served as President of Delaware.
Dr. Henry Heimlich (Wilmington) - Born a thoracic surgeon, Heimlich invented the life-saving Heimlich Maneuver.
Daniel Nathans(Wilmington) - Delaware Native who won the 1978 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his groundbreaking discoveries in genetics.
Robert Montgomery Bird (New Castle) - A 19th-century playwright and author who penned Nick of the Woods, one of the earliest psychological novels about a serial killer.
George Alfred Townsend (Georgetown) - Writing under the pen name "Gath," Townsend was one of the youngest and most prominent combat correspondents of the American Civil War.
Valerie Bertinelli (Wilmington) - Award-winning actress (One Day at a Time, Hot in Cleveland) born in Wilmington.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DELAWARE DAY
Participate in National Delaware Day by exploring the state’s coastal parks, diving into its Revolutionary War history, or cooking up some regional Mid-Atlantic cuisine. Share your favorite facts, photos, or travel memories on social media using the hashtag #NationalDelawareDay!
HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL DELAWARE DAY
Founded in 2017 by National Day Calendar® to highlight a small part of each state’s history, foods, and the people who make up the state. Beginning with National Delaware Day, we celebrate the state as the first state to join the Union.
National Day Calendar is committed to celebrating every aspect of our nation's diverse culture and history, which is why we proudly introduced National State Days. Our goal is to honor one state per week in the order they joined the Union until we've covered all 50 states. This initiative is our way of honoring each state in our country and offering a dedicated day to celebrate the unique heritage, achievements, and spirit of each state.