Fun Facts |
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Fun Facts for Visitors
State Bird: Blue Hen Chicken
Delaware Population: The 2000 census listed Dover’s population as 32,135, and the 2003 estimate is 32,271. The city grew by 16.3 percent from 1990 to 2000. Delaware natives: 12,603. Racial makeup: 54.9 percent white, 37.2 percent black, 4.1 percent Hispanic (of any race), 3.2 percent Asian. Median household income: $38,669. Largest age group: 35 to 44 years (14.2 percent). Median age: 32.9. Median home value: $111,300. How Delaware Got Its Name: Origin of Delaware’s name is from the Delaware River and Bay, which were named for Sir Thomas West, Lord De La Warr; When Founded: Delaware was entered the Union December 7, 1787 as the First State. State Flag: The state’s flag is predominantly blue with the state seal in the middle. Elements include the wheat sheaf, adopted from the Sussex County seal to represent agricultural vitality; the ship, a symbol of Delaware’s shipbuilding industry; the farmer, representing the central role of farming; the Militiaman, recognizing the role of the citizen-soldier to the maintenance of American liberties; water, representative of the Delaware River, commerce and transportation; and the ox, representing the importance of animal husbandry. State Nicknames Through HistoryThe Blue Hen State: This historical nickname, Blue Hen Chicken State, originated during the Revolutionary War. According to W.A. Powell's History of Delaware, 1928, the story traces back to a Captain Caldwell from Kent County who carried with him a pair of fighting game cocks. These chickens, descendents of a famous Blue Hen, were well known in Kent County for their superior fighting qualities. It is said that upon seeing these gamecocks fight, one soldier cried "We're sons of the Old Blue Hen and we're game to the end" comparing the fighting prowess of the chickens to the fighting prowess of the Delaware soldiers. These regiments from Kent County became known as "Blue Hen's Chickens." This name was soon applied statewide. In 1939, the Blue Hen Chicken was adopted as Delaware's official state bird. The Peach State: In the 1500s, the Spanish brought peaches to Delaware. By the 1600s, peaches were so plentiful in the state that farmers used them to feed their pigs. Supported by the Delaware Railroad in the early nineteenth century, Delaware became the leading producer of peaches in the United States. Almost 6,000,000 baskets of peaches were shipped to market in 1875, Delaware's peak production year. Many problems beset peach farmers throughout the latter part of the century. The peach blight called the "yellows" forced the collapse of the industry and, in the early 1900s, many peach farmers faced bankruptcy. New Sweden: Refers to the first permanent settlement in Delaware in the present day Wilmington. Delaware was under Swedish rule from 1638 to 1655. The first Swedish settlement was at "The Rocks," on the Christina River, near the foot of Seventh Street. The Christina River was named after the young queen of Sweden, as was the fort that was built. Uncle Sam's Pocket Handkerchief: This obscure nickname probably refers to the small size of Delaware. Corporate Capital: Delaware has been called the "Corporate Capital" because so many corporations have incorporated in the state because of its business-friendly law. According to the Delaware Division of Corporations (2002), more than 308,000 companies are incorporated in Delaware. This includes 60% of the Fortune 500 and 50% of the companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Small Wonder: A new nickname developed to promote the state's contributions to the nation and its natural beauty. Other Various Nicknames: Delaware has also been called "The Chemical Capital" and the "Home of Tax Free Shopping." Delaware Climate Chart
Films Shot in Kent CountyKent County has much to offer film crews in search of a diverse landscape – from 1700s history and architecture to coastal waterways, the central portion of Delaware can set the stage for great footage. The following films featured footage shot in Kent County, Delaware: "Easy Money," filmed in 1983, featured Rodney Dangerfield and Joe Pesci. Scenes were filmed at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover. "Glenville," filmed in 1999 in Dover and Clayton, was a horror film based in the small town of Glenville, Ohio. Famous Delaware Actors: Robert Mitchum, Valerie Bertinelli, Ryan Filippe, Teri Polo, Judge Reinhold, Elisabeth Shue, Andrew Shue, Sean Patrick Thomas and Doug Hutchison. Famous Residents: Revolutionary patriots Caesar Rodney and John Dickinson; Richard Allen, a freed slave who co-founded the denomination that became the African Methodist Episcopal Church; Eldridge Reeves Johnson, co-inventor of the gramophone and co-founder of the Victor Talking Machine Co., later RCA Victor. Central DelawareYou haven't really experienced Central Delaware until you have:
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