July 13, 2018 (Friday)
Today is National Delaware Day, for the state which took its name from the Delaware River and Bay, which were named in honor of Sir Thomas West (Lord De La Warr), the first governor of the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia in 1610. Only Rhode Island is smaller in geographical area than Delaware, which has only 3 counties, a total of about 1900 square miles in size, and a total population of about 971,000. It was at different times part of New York and part of Pennsylvania. It was one of the original 13 colonies whose representatives signed the U.S. Constitution.
While small in several ways, it is the sixth most densely populated state. Quick! Name the states in order of density (New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, and Delaware). It has 57 incorporated municipalities, but only three major cities: Delaware City, Dover (the capital city), and Wilmington.
Nicknames for the state are: First State (official nickname), Diamond State, Blue Hen State, Small Wonder, Peach State (name ceded to Georgia), New Sweden and Land of Tax-Free Shopping.
Nearly two months remain before most schools get under way for a new year of classes. You might want to visit Delaware during your vacation travels.
Delaware Tourist Attraction
Dover International Speedway