Travel Oracles 50 States: Delaware
As part of my summer series - Travel Oracles 50 States - I am revisiting each os the fifty American states as an overview on travel culture and history. Today: Delaware
Joined: On December 7, 1787, the delegates, meeting in Dover at Battell's Tavern (also known as the Golden Fleece Tavern) unanimously made Delaware the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. Delaware became one of the Thirteen Colonies which revolted against British rule in the American Revolution. In the Civil War, Delaware was a slave state that remained in the Union. (Delaware voters voted not to secede on January 3, 1861.)
Original Indigenous Peoples: Lenni Lenape or Lenape, a confederation of Algonquian-speaking North American Indians who occupied the Atlantic seaboard
First Settlers: The first European colony in the Delaware Valley was established by Swedish settlers in 1638
History moment: The first of the original 13 states to ratify the federal Constitution. Also, Between 1698 and 1699, the descendants of these early colonists constructed Old Swedes Church (also known as Holy Trinity Church), which is one of the oldest houses of worship in America still in use.
Known for: Delaware is famous for its popular beaches Rehoboth, Bethany, and Dewey, being the first state and for having no state sales tax, home state of president Joe Biden
Places: Wilmington, Dover, Lewes,
Movie setting: Fight Club, Dark Waters
Musicians from: Clifford Brown, Jimmie Allen, Travis Greene
Surprising facts: Delaware is the second smallest state & the least populated state. There are more corporate entities formed in Delaware than residents and 67.8% of Fortune 500 companies are Delaware entities
Delaware's founding fathers signed the U.S. Constitution before others, earning Delaware the nickname "the First State." Although rich in colonial political history, today the state is a business leader—64% of Fortune 500 companies are here. Shoppers love Delaware, too, as the state imposes no sales tax. Varied landscapes keep Delaware from feeling like America’s second-smallest state, from its rolling hills and hardwood forests lay north, to vast tidal marshes and dunescapes line the shore, and gleaming corporate center Wilmington is a short train ride to New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Let’s travel to Delaware
My Experience: I have only passed through, so I need to spend some time there still. However, I hear good things so it’s on my list.
Dover: Delaware’s capital city is more than its handsome Old State House and Legislative Hall. History buffs find museums dedicated to old airplanes, phonographs, and farms. An international speedway, buzzing casino, and harness-horse-racing track add excitement. Natural areas for hiking and birding are not far away.
Wilmington: The state's commercial hub and largest city, it has handsome buildings in Federal, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and Deco styles, as well as abundant cultural attractions. Outside the compact city center are several outstanding museums, including some that are legacies of the du Ponts.
Nature: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Rehoboth Beach Public Beach, Cape Henlopen State Park
Ranking in US: Per the annual US News report, Delaware is currently ranked #23 in 2021 out of 50, with its strengths in opportunity, healthcare, education and economy.