Delaware State Report Miss Gerdts April 15, 2010

History First inhabited by the Algonquian tribes Early explorations were made by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 16 th century Henry Hudson, an English navigator who worked for the Dutch, explored the land in 1609

The Dutch were the first Europeans to settle in Deleware by establishing a trading post in Zwandael in 1631 The Swedish followed in 1638 and build Fort Christina. They settled here due to the rich soil and good fishing. Fort Christina Nautical Chart of Zwandael In 1651, the Dutch built the New Castle Fort.

In 1664, the English took over the Delaware colony. William Penn founded the British colony of Pennsylvania and claim the Delaware Colony. He divided it into three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. After the Revolutionary War ended, Delaware was the first state to sign the U.S. Constitution and became the the first state on Dec. 7, 1787

State Bird, Flower, and Tree State Bird: State Flower: Blue Hen Chicken Peach Blossom State Tree: American Holly

State Flag Adopted July 24, 1913 The date on the bottom of the flag represents the date that Delaware became a state. The shades of buff and colonial blue represent those of the uniform of General George Washington. Inside the diamond, the flag recognizes the importance of commerce (the ship) and agriculture (wheat, corn, the ox and the farmer) to the state

Delaware’s Nicknames “The First State”: Delaware is known by this nickname due to the fact that on December 7, 1787, it became the first of the 13 original states to ratify the U.S. Constitution. “The Diamond State”: This nickname was given to Delaware, according to legend, by Thomas Jefferson because he described Delaware as a "jewel" among states due to its strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard. “Blue Hen State”: This nickname was given to Delaware after the fighting Blue Hen roosters that were carried with the Delaware Revolutionary War Soldiers for entertainment. “Small Wonder”: This nickname is a new nickname. It was given to Delaware because it is geographically small, but has made big contributions it has made to our country.

Statehood Information Delaware was the first state to sign the Constitution on December 7, 1787.

Political Map of Delaware

Physical Map of Delaware

Population of Delaware ,292548, , , ,600TBD

Economy Agriculture – dairy products, corn, poultry, soy beans, nursery plants Industry - chemical products, automobiles, processed foods, paper products, and rubber and plastic products Most of Delaware’s mining business is for gravel and sand used in construction although a small amount of mining is for gemstones

Weather Winter AveragesSummer Averages degrees F80-88 degrees F Average Yearly Rainfall 54 inches

Natural Resources Major Bodies of Water – Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, Delaware River Minerals – magnesium, sand and gravel, Brandywine blue granite – Delaware ranks last among the states in mineral production Plant Life – hickory, holly, oak, pine, beech trees, cypress, red cedar trees, rare orchids – many flowering trees such as magnolias, wild cherries, tulip trees, water lilies Animal Life – deer, foxes, raccoons, and rabbits roam the forests – otters, mallards, pintails, herons, ibises are found in marshes and wetlands

Places to Visit in Delaware Delaware Memorial Bridge – the longest twin span suspension bridge in the world Barratt’s Chapel – the oldest Methodist church that is still standing, built in 1780 First State Heritage Park – a state park hosting many historical and cultural buildings Rehoboth Beach – a fabulous beach featuring many shops, restaurants, and a boardwalk

Famous People Eleutherer Irene Dupont – started a company that manufactured gun powder and eventually became E.I. duPont de Nemours and Co., a huge manufacturing company Annie Jump Cannon – famous astronomer who became an assistant in the Harvard College Observatory and discovered many stars and super novas

Henry Heimlich – an American physician who is credited as the inventor of abdominal thrusts for choking rescue Heimlich Maneuver Elizabeth Margaret Chandler – first woman American write who made the abolition of slavery her main theme

Resources EnchantedLearning.Com 3/13/10 Maps.com3/15/10 Netstate.com3/15/10 Delaware State portal3/18/10 Thingstodo.com 3/20/10 Wikipedia 3/20/10 U.S. Census Bureau 3/20/10 Schuman, Michael. Celebrate the States: Deleware. New York: Benchmark Books, 2000 Brown, Dottie. Delaware. Minneapolis: Learner Publications Co., 1994