First State
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Flag Adopted: |
1913 |
| Date Admitted: |
Dec. 7, 1787 |
| State Capital: |
Dover |
| State Motto: |
"Liberty and Independence" |
| Nickname: |
The First State |
| State Song: |
"Our Delaware" |
| State Flower: |
Peach blossom |
| State Tree: |
American Holly |
| State Bird: |
Blue Hen Chicken |
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Nick named "The First State" because it was the first of the original
thirteen states to ratify the Constitution of the United States.
The date on the flag, December 7, 1787, is the date Delaware ratified
the Constitution. The diamond represents an earlier nickname,
the Diamond State. In colonial and Revolutionary War times, Delaware
was considered a jewel. Like a diamond it is small and very valuable
both in its leaders and its location on the Atlantic Ocean. The
colors buff and blue are also reminiscent of the Revolution because
General George Washington and some regiments wore blue coats with
buff trim. The coat of arms shows symbols of the occupations and
products of the states early days - shipping, farming, hunting
and cattle raising. |
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