CHAPTER 1: DELAWARE—AN OVERVIEW
The First State
Delaware, the first state to adopt the United States Constitution (on December 7, 1787), has made many contributions to the history and development of the United States including Caesar Rodney's famous ride to Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence in July, 1776. The name Delaware comes from Lord De La Warr, the first governor of the colony of Virginia.
Delaware colonial history begins in Lewes with the first settlement by Dutch colonists in 1631 and in Wilmington with the first permanent settlement by Swedish colonists in 1638. The Swedish colony was taken over first by Dutch, and then by English colonists. Each group left lasting effects on the laws and culture of the area.
The early colonies were ruled by military officials appointed by the mother country or trading company. Later some self-government was permitted for local problems. In 1682 William Penn added the "three lower counties" to his ownership of Pennsylvania. By 1704, a separate Assembly had been established, and this body sent representatives to the Trade Act Congress and to the Continental Congress of 1776.
Delaware then declared herself free from England and from Pennsylvania and established the `Delaware State'. This fledgling government was soon outgrown as a result of rapid growth in population, agriculture, milling, shipping, banking and manufacture. The fluid nature of government is reflected in the many changes which have been and are continuing to be made in Delaware's government by state law, by amendment to the state constitution, by United States constitutional amendment (Women's Suffrage and the 18-Year-Old-Vote), and by United States Supreme Court decisions (reapportionment and desegregation).
“Delaware”—a sketch for a mural by Edward Loper
Delaware—The Diamond State
Long called the Diamond State, a name arising from a quotation attributed to Thomas Jefferson comparing the state to a small and valuable jewel, Delaware’s resources are varied and rich.
Agriculture
Good soil and climate, and ease of access to the large eastern markets contribute to making agriculture one of Delaware's leading industries. poultry, grains, soy beans, vegetables, fruits, dairy, hay and swine are among the most important products.
Industry
Abundance of water power and water transportation made Delaware a thriving industrial center in the early 1700's. Economic growth continued even when water was no longer a source of power or transportation. The population of Delaware was 739,737 in 1998. In 1997, major industries included services (98,989 employees), retail trade (67,097), chemical manufacturing (35,932), banking and finance (27,394), insurance and real estate (12,292). The Port of Wilmington, the first inland port on the Delaware River, handles 4.5 million tons of cargo annually. Government provided 35,406 jobs. Two statewide daily, numerous weekly newspapers and one magazine are published; five television and 26 radio stations operate in the state.
With 12.4 million visitors spending $987.5 million in Delaware in 1997 and generating 13,000 jobs, tourism is very important to the state’s economy.
Transportation
In addition to commuter rail service to Philadelphia, Amtrak Metroliners provide service to Washington, D.C. and New York with scheduled stops in other major cities. Greyhound and Trailways provide interstate bus service. DART buses provide transportation in the Wilmington and Newark areas and to beach resorts during the summer. Special transportation is provided for the handicapped and elderly.
One of the earliest dual-highways (U.S.13) in the nation runs the length of the state leading to Delaware beaches and to Maryland and Virginia. An interstate highway system including twin bridges across the Delaware River provides a fast route north through New Jersey or Philadelphia and south through Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Cultural and Recreational Activities
Opportunities are available in visual arts, drama, music, history, archeology, museums and indoor and outdoor recreational events. The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs in the Department of State has listing of programs in the State.
