Delaware

Delaware is a state of the United States. It is known as the "First State" because it was the first of the 13 colonies to ratify the United States Constitution, thus making it the first state in the union. Ratification occurred on December 7, 1787.

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Europeans first settled in a Dutch trading post at "Zwaanendael" (or "Swaanendael," present-day Lewes (pronounced "Lewis")) in 1631. The area became "New Sweden" with a colony established by Swedes (led by Peter Minuit) around Fort Christina (now Wilmington) in 1638.

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The name "Delaware" comes from the title of Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, erstwhile governor of the colony of Virginia. The deed to the property that is now Delaware was granted to William Penn in 1682, by James, Duke of York (later, James II of England), and was part of the colony of Pennsylvania. In 1704 the "three lower counties" gained a separate legislature, and in 1710 a separate executive council.

State: :This article discusses states as sovereign political entities. For other meanings, see state (disambiguation)....

United States: :For other uses, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation)....

13 colonies: REDIRECT Thirteen Colonies...

Delaware related Images and Photos (experimental)

Delaware c.1795	Delaware Logo	Delaware Moccasins	Delaware License Plate, DE-101
Delaware State University Plaid	12th and Delaware (MOD)	Erie Delaware Pennsylvania c.1944	Delaware 2011 Wall Calendar
Delaware 2012 Wall Calendar	12th and Delaware	Rehoboth Beach Delaware	Flag of Delaware