It is tiny. You can drive across the entire state in about two hours, maybe less if you hit the lights right on Route 1. But Delaware isn't just some highway you pass through on your way from New York to D.C. It carries a heavy title. The First State is the official state nickname for Delaware, and honestly, it’s a flex that dates back to the very literal birth of the United States.
Most people just assume it's a participation trophy for being small. It’s not. It’s a historical receipt. On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the very first colony to ratify the U.S. Constitution. They beat Pennsylvania by five days. Five days! In the 18th century, that was a lifetime. That speed gave them the permanent right to lead the line in parades and be the first star on the flag. If you’ve ever wondered why Delaware gets so much respect in presidential inaugurations or federal ceremonies, it’s all down to that 1787 hustle.
Beyond the First State: The Nicknames You Forgot
While "The First State" is what you’ll see on the license plates today, it wasn't always the only name in the game. In fact, for a long time, the state nickname for Delaware was almost exclusively "The Diamond State."
Legend has it that Thomas Jefferson called Delaware a "diamond" because it was small in size but "great in value." It’s a bit of a flowery compliment for a guy known for being fairly stoic, but the name stuck for decades. You still see it today in local business names and the Diamond State Port Corp. People liked the idea that being small didn’t mean being insignificant. It’s a sentiment that still runs deep in the local culture. If you call someone a "Delawarean," they usually have a bit of a chip on their shoulder about the size of their home.
Then there’s the Blue Hen State. This one is weird. It’s not official, but it’s arguably more popular than the Diamond State nickname. During the Revolutionary War, a company of soldiers from Delaware—specifically Captain Jonathan Caldwell’s men—carried these particular gamecocks with them. They were the offspring of a famous Blue Hen. These birds were known for being incredibly fierce in fights. The soldiers fought with the same ferocity, and the nickname "Blue Hen’s Chickens" was born.
Today, the University of Delaware uses the Blue Hen as their mascot. It’s a strange, feathery legacy, but it represents a "small but mighty" attitude that defines the region.
The 1923 Debate and Making it Official
For over a century, Delaware just sort of floated between these identities. You had people using "The First State," "The Diamond State," and "The Blue Hen State" interchangeably. It was a bit of a branding mess.
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It wasn't until the 20th century that the General Assembly decided to get serious about it. There was actually a push to make "The Diamond State" the official one. It sounded prestigious. It sounded expensive. But the historical weight of being first was too strong to ignore. In 1923, they made it official. Well, sort of. The nickname "The First State" was requested by the General Assembly in 1923, but it didn't become the official official nickname until May 23, 1955.
Why the delay? Politics, mostly. And maybe a bit of Delaware’s trademark "we'll get to it when we get to it" energy.
Why Delaware’s Identity is Tied to Incorporation
You can't talk about the state nickname for Delaware without mentioning the legal side of things. There’s a reason people call it the "Corporate Capital of the World," even if that isn't on a souvenir mug.
- Over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated here.
- The Court of Chancery is the gold standard for business law.
- The state’s tax-friendly environment (no sales tax!) draws millions.
This corporate identity is almost like a modern-day nickname. While the "First State" refers to 1787, the "Corporate State" refers to the 1900s. In the late 19th century, Delaware changed its laws to make it easier for businesses to set up shop. They wanted to compete with New Jersey. They didn't just compete; they won. Now, the state makes a massive chunk of its budget just from filing fees. It’s a business model that other states have tried to copy for years, but nobody can quite replicate the specialized court system Delaware has built.
Misconceptions about the First State
A common mistake tourists make is thinking Delaware was the first colony founded. It wasn't. Virginia (Jamestown) takes that prize. Delaware was actually quite late to the party in terms of being its own thing. For a long time, it was just the "Three Lower Counties" of Pennsylvania.
William Penn owned the land, and Delawareans had to trek all the way to Philadelphia just to handle their business. Eventually, they got tired of the commute and the lack of representation. They broke away and formed their own assembly in 1704. So, while they were the "First State" to join the Union, they were actually one of the last colonies to become truly independent from their neighbors.
Practical Ways to Experience Delaware’s History
If you’re actually visiting to see where the state nickname for Delaware comes from, don't just stay on the I-95. You’ll miss everything.
- Old State House in Dover: This is where the magic happened. It’s located on The Green, which was laid out in 1717. Standing there, you get a sense of how small the world was back then. It’s where the Constitution was ratified. It’s remarkably quiet, considering it’s the birthplace of the American federal system.
- New Castle Court House Museum: This was the original capital. It’s one of the oldest surviving courthouses in the country. The cobblestone streets in New Castle feel like a time capsule.
- The Blue Hen Mascot: Go to a University of Delaware football game. You’ll see the "Blue Hen" everywhere. It’s the best way to see the "unofficial" nickname in action.
- Shopping (Tax-Free): Okay, this isn't historical, but it’s a huge part of the state's modern identity. People drive from Maryland, PA, and Jersey just to buy iPads and clothes without the extra 6-8% tacked on.
The Enduring Value of Being First
Being first matters in a way that’s hard to quantify. It gives a small place a permanent seat at the head of the table. Delaware is the second smallest state by land area, but because of that 1787 vote, it holds a psychological position of seniority.
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When you look at the state nickname for Delaware, you’re looking at a state that knows exactly who it is. It’s a place of contradictions: a quiet agricultural south, a bustling corporate north, and a history that precedes every other state in the Union. Whether you call it the Diamond State or the First State, the point remains—Delaware earned its spot.
To truly understand Delaware's role, start by visiting the First State Heritage Park in Dover. It’s an "urban park" without fences that connects the historical sites. Instead of a traditional museum, the city itself is the exhibit. Look for the local "First State" markers that detail the specific signatures of the delegates who took that first leap in 1787. Checking out the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes is another solid move if you want to see the Dutch roots that predate the English takeover. Understanding the colonial friction between the Dutch, Swedes, and English provides the necessary context for why Delaware was so eager to define itself as a sovereign state as soon as the opportunity arose.