Delaware (thing)

Entered Union: Dec. 7, 1787
Present constitution adopted: 1897
Motto: Liberty and independence
State Symbols:

• colors: colonial blue and buff
• flower: peach blossom
• tree: American holly
• bird: blue hen chicken
• insect: ladybug
• fish: weakfish, cynoscion regalis
• song: “Our Delaware”

Nicknames: Diamond State; First State; Small Wonder
Origin of name: From Delaware River and Bay; named in turn for Sir Thomas West, Baron De La Warr
Land area: 1,955 sq mi. (5,153 sq km)

Famous natives and residents:

• Richard Allen founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church;
• Valerie Bertinelli actress;
• Robert Montgomery Bird playwright and novelist;
• Henry S. Canby editor and author;
• Annie Jump Cannon astronomer;
• Elizabeth Margaret Chandler author;
• Felix Darley artist;
• John Dickinson statesman;
• E. I. du Pont industrialist;
• Oliver Evans inventor;
• Thomas Garrett abolitionist;
• Henry Heimlich surgeon, inventor;
• Wilham Julius “Judy” Johnson basketball player;
• J. P. Marquand novelist;
• Howard Pyle artist and author;
• George Read jurist, signer of Declaration of Independence;
• Jay Saunders Redding educator and author;
• Caesar Rodney patriot, signer of Declaration of Independence;
• Frank Stephens sculptor;
• Estelle Taylor actress;
• George Alfred Townsend journalist and author.