Delaware State Flags

Delaware was first settled in 1631 by the Dutch, and then by the Swedes between 1638-55. During that time it was named "New Sweden". Delaware occupies the northeastern portion of the Delmarva Peninsula. It is the second smallest and sixth least populous state, but the sixth most densely populated. Before its coastline was explored by Europeans in the 16th century, Delaware was inhabited by several groups of Native Americans, including the Lenape in the north and Nanticoke in the south. It was initially colonized by Dutch traders at Zwaanendael, near the present town of Lewes, in 1631.

What is the Design of the Delaware State Flag?

The flag of Delaware consists of a buff-colored diamond on a field of colonial blue, with the coat of arms of the state of Delaware inside the diamond. Below the diamond, the date December 7, 1787, declares the day on which Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. The colors of the flag reflect the colors of the uniform of General George Washington. The words in the banner read Liberty and Independence.

The Delaware flag width is 1.5 times the height. The standard flag size is 3 feet x 4.5 feet.

What is the Meaning of the Delaware Flag Design?

The colonial blue and buff represent the colors of General George Washington's uniform. And, indeed, some regiments of the Revolution wore blue coats with buff trim. "December 7, 1787" is the day Delaware ratified the federal Constitution - becoming the first state of the union. The date displayed on the flag is the day that Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution and the first state of a new nation.

The original symbolism of the diamond shape is unknown, but it may have been chosen simply as a distinctive design. The diamond may also be a reference to an early state nickname, the Diamond State, so given because of Delaware's small size and great value, evidenced in its geographical position on the Atlantic Ocean and its leadership contributions.

When was the Delaware State Flag Adopted?

The state flag of Delaware came into official use during the earliest part of the 20th century, although the state's military units used a similar flag more than fifty years before it became an official symbol of the state. The government of Delaware eventually adopted the modern flag for civilian use in 1913. The state flag of Delaware was adopted in July 24, 1913. Delaware has maintained the same flag for the last 105 years.

Steeped in references to the colonial era in which Delaware was one of the thirteen original colonies, in fact, Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States and that fact is proudly represented on the state flag. During the initial adoption, the flag was omitted in the Delaware Code. However, the General Assembly of Delaware corrected the omission in June 1955.

What is the Delaware Official State Coat of Arms?

The coat of arms depicts early occupational symbols for shipping, farming, hunting and cattle ranching. The coat of arms contains three horizontal stripes of green, white, and blue that holds an ear of corn, an ox, and a sheaf of wheat. The Delaware state coat of arms (first adopted in 1777 and also featured on the state seal), which contains many symbols of Delaware:

Ship - a symbol of Delaware's ship building industry and extensive coastal commerce.

Farmer - represents the central role of farming to the state of Delaware.

Militiaman - recognizes the crucial role of the citizen-soldier to the maintenance of American liberties.

Wheat Sheaf - a symbol of the agricultural vitality of Delaware.

Maize (Indian Corn) - symbolizes the agricultural basis of Delaware's economy.

Water - represents the Delaware River, the state's main artery of commerce and transportation.

Ox - signifies the importance of animal husbandry to Delaware's state economy.

Motto - "Liberty and Independence" was approved in 1847.

Is Delaware the First State of the Union?

During the Civil War, Delaware was one of five border states—in addition to Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, and later West Virginia - slave states that remained in the Union but bordered states that joined the Confederacy. The original 13 colonies were a group of British territories in North America. They were founded in the 17th and 18th centuries and became The Thirteen Colonies in 1776, when they declared independence. Delaware was one of the thirteen states of the U.S.A and is named after Lord de la Warr. He was Governor of Virginia from 1610-1618. The coat of arms reflects the agricultural, which dates from 1777. The shield depicting a wheatsheaf, an ear of corn and an ox is supported by a soldier and a farmer. The crest of a ship in full sail is represented because of Delaware being a maritime state.

Delaware became the first state in the Union, and is, therefore, accorded the first position in such national events as presidential inaugurations. For this reason, Delaware is given first position in national events such as presidential inaugurations.