Notes

Industry: Chemical products, food processing, paper products, rubber and plastic products, scientific instruments, printing and publishing. Flag: Adopted on July 24, 1913, the Delaware state flag has a background of colonial blue surrounding a diamond of buff color in which the coat of arms of the state is placed. Below the diamond are the words “December 7, 1787,” indicating the day on which Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States constitution. Because of this action, Delaware became the first state in the Union, and is, therefore, accorded the first position in such national events as presidential inaugurations. According to members of the original commission established to design the flag, the shades of buff and colonial blue represent those of the uniform of General George Washington. Inside the diamond, the flag recognizes the importance of commerce {the ship} and agriculture {wheat, corn, the ox and the farmer} to the state. Tribute is also paid to the revolutionary war soldiers. The words in the ribbon banner read Liberty and Independence. Region: Northeast population: 998,619 The Delaware quarter was the very first coin released in the 50 State Quarters series. The reason Delaware was the first one is because new designs in the series were released in the order each state joined the Union — and Delaware was the first state to do so.