Honestly, most people think Delaware is just a highway you drive through on your way to somewhere better. You’ve probably done it. You hit that stretch of I-95, pay a couple of tolls, and boom—you’re in Maryland or Pennsylvania before your podcast even finishes an episode.
But here is the thing.
Delaware is weird. In a good way. It’s a state where there are more corporate entities than actual human beings. It’s a place where a "mountain" is basically a speed bump. And if you’re looking for fun facts for delaware, you have to look past the rest stops.
The First State (And Why It’s Obsessed With It)
If you spend more than five minutes here, you’ll see "The First State" plastered on everything. License plates. Postcards. Statues. It’s not just a marketing slogan; it’s a point of intense pride.
On December 7, 1787, Delaware was the very first to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
They beat everyone else to the punch. Because of this, Delaware gets the spot of honor in national events. At every Presidential Inauguration, the Delaware delegation marches first. It’s a small flex, but they’ve been holding onto it for over 200 years.
The Diamond State Legend
Legend has it that Thomas Jefferson called Delaware a "jewel" because of its strategic location. Hence the nickname "The Diamond State."
Was he being literal? Probably not.
But the name stuck. It’s a "Small Wonder," another one of their nicknames that sounds like a 90s sitcom but actually refers to the fact that you can drive the entire length of the state—96 miles—in about two hours. If there's no traffic. Which, let's be real, there's always traffic near the beaches.
More Businesses Than Humans?
This is where Delaware gets truly bizarre. As of 2026, there are over 1.8 million legal entities incorporated in Delaware.
✨ Don't miss: Magnolia Fort Worth Texas: Why This Street Still Defines the Near Southside
The human population?
Barely over a million.
If you’ve ever wondered why your credit card statement or a random tech startup has a Wilmington address, it’s because of the Delaware Court of Chancery. It sounds like something out of a Harry Potter novel, but it’s actually a specialized court that deals with corporate law. No juries. Just judges who are experts in business drama.
- Over 65% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated here.
- The state doesn't have a sales tax, which is why people from Jersey and Maryland flock to the Christiana Mall like it’s the promised land.
- The "Delaware Loophole" is a real thing people talk about in hushed tones at business lunches.
Basically, Delaware is the corporate capital of the world. It’s a tiny state with a massive shadow in the global economy.
Fun Facts for Delaware: Nature’s Living Fossils
If you head down to the Delaware Bay in May or June, you’ll see something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Horseshoe crabs. Millions of them.
The Delaware Bay has the largest population of spawning horseshoe crabs in the world. These things aren't actually crabs—they’re more closely related to spiders and scorpions. They’ve been around for 450 million years. They survived the extinction of the dinosaurs.
They are literal living fossils.
And their blood? It’s bright blue. Not because they're royalty, but because it contains copper instead of iron. Scientists use this blue blood to test vaccines and medical equipment for bacteria. If you’ve ever had a shot, you probably owe a thank-you to a Delaware horseshoe crab.
🔗 Read more: Why Molly Butler Lodge & Restaurant is Still the Heart of Greer After a Century
The "Nation’s Summer Capital"
People in D.C. love Delaware. Specifically, they love Rehoboth Beach.
It’s been nicknamed the "Nation's Summer Capital" because for decades, politicians and diplomats have escaped the swampy heat of Washington for the boardwalks of Sussex County. Even President Biden has a home near Henlopen Acres.
But don't expect a sleepy beach town.
Dewey Beach, just down the road, is the "party" sibling. It’s famous for live music, orange crushes (the unofficial state drink, basically), and a vibe that says "I might regret this tomorrow."
The Dogfish Head Connection
Delaware is also the birthplace of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. When it opened in Rehoboth in 1995, it was the smallest commercial brewery in America. Now? It’s a craft beer titan. They are the ones who pioneered "continual hopping," which basically changed the way IPAs are made.
Weird Laws and Ghost Stories
Every state has those "dumb laws" that people quote on the internet. Delaware has a few gems.
For instance, it’s technically illegal to get married on a dare.
Think about that. At some point, someone did it, and the legislature had to step in and say, "Okay, enough." Also, don't try to sell dog hair in Delaware. That's a no-go.
Then there’s the history. The state is old. Like, "European settlers arrived in 1631 and immediately got into a fight with the local tribes" old.
💡 You might also like: 3000 Yen to USD: What Your Money Actually Buys in Japan Today
Lewes (pronounced Loo-iss, don't mess it up) was the site of the first European settlement in the state. It’s got that classic Cape Cod feel, but with more history and fewer tourists. If you go to Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park, you can see the massive towers built during WWII to watch for German U-boats. Yes, they were that close to the shore.
A Geography That Makes No Sense
Delaware is the lowest state in the country.
The average elevation is only 60 feet above sea level. The "highest" point is Ebright Azimuth, which is 447 feet high. It’s located on a sidewalk next to a trailer park.
I’m not joking.
You can literally stand at the highest point in the state while waiting for a bus. Most people walk past it without realizing they’ve just "summited" Delaware’s peak.
Moving Forward With Your Delaware Knowledge
If you’re planning a trip or just want to impress people at trivia, remember that Delaware is a state of extremes. It’s tiny but economically massive. It’s flat but full of history.
What you should do next:
- Visit the "Culinary Coast": Check out the food scene in Lewes and Rehoboth. It’s not just boardwalk fries; it’s world-class seafood.
- Explore the Corporate Trail: Drive through Wilmington’s legal district to see where the world’s biggest companies "live."
- Catch the Crabs: If it’s late spring, head to Pickering Beach to see the horseshoe crab spawning. It’s a weirdly beautiful sight.
- Shop Tax-Free: Hit the outlets in Rehoboth. Just be prepared for the traffic on Route 1.
Delaware might be a "Small Wonder," but it’s definitely not boring once you know where to look.