Everyone knows that Delaware is the First State, but did you know how many Delaware firsts we can claim responsibility for? Our little state is a big pioneer – look at all of the things we started!

1. The University of Delaware was the first to offer a Study Abroad program, in 1923.
University of Delaware/Google Maps
Since that time, Study Abroad programs have risen to historic proportions, providing thousands of students with a broader worldview.
2. The first automobile was designed by Delawarean Oliver Evans, in 1805.
Flickr / Wikimedia Commons
Evans had a leading role in Delaware’s milling history, and you can learn more about him at the Abbott’s Mill Nature Center.
3. The First Methodist Church was Barratt's Chapel in Frederica, founded in 1778.
Flickr / MTSOfan
Located in Frederica, Barratt's Chapel is one of the oldest chapels in America.
4. The "Betsy Ross" American Flag was first flown in Battle above Cooch's Bridge in Newark, on September 3, 1777.
Peter Miller/Flickr
Located in Newark, Cooch's Bridge was a major battlefield site from the American Revolutionary War.

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5. Jeremiah Dixon and Charles Mason started the Mason-Dixon line survey just outside of Newark, Delaware, in 1763.
Wikimedia Commons / Doug Kerr
The spot where they began the now famous Mason-Dixon line is found at White Clay Creek State Park.
6. In 1923, Cecile Steele accidentally accepted an order of 500 chickens, when she had only ordered 50.
Flickr / Terrin In VA
Cecile Steele was an entrepreneurial woman, and her farm was the first big farm to raise chickens for meat.
7. The first spacesuits for the NASA astronaut program were built here in the late 1960s!
Wikimedia Commons
This happened in Frederica and to this day, ILC Dover, LP products are regularly used to keep astronauts safe.
8. Of course, was the first at being... well.. a state!
Flickr / Ron Cogswell
On December 7, 1787, Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution.

That “Delaware started chicken” story is probably our favorite bit of Delaware lore! Did you know about any of these things Delaware did first? If so, which ones? What’s your favorite story from Delaware’s history? Do you know about any other Delaware inventions?

We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Read on to learn about these 7 crazy world records that are held by Delawareans.

If you’re still in the mood for more First State adventures, take a look at this video:

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Out and about in Delaware

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 31, 2023

Where can we find historic attractions in Wilmington?

  • The Kalmar Nyckel tells the story of the first settlers who sailed into the state.
  • The Old Swedes Historic Site encompasses the oldest church in the state and a cemetery representing the land the Swedes purchased from the Native American tribes here in the 1600s.
  • The Hagley Museum is the site of some of the first gunpowder mills built by E.I. DuPont.

Read on to learn about some of the many other fantastic historic attractions in Wilmington.

Where can we find the best restaurants in Delaware?

  • The Border Café in Newark specializes in a mix of Tex-Mex and Cajun food.
  • Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth Beach is known for its great beers and desserts.
  • Harry's Savoy Grill in Wilmington is a Delaware institution and known as "Delaware's Premier Steakhouse."

Read on to learn about some of the many other delicious restaurants in Delaware.

Where can we find state parks in Delaware?

  • Fox Point State Park in Wilmington offers a wide variety of recreational activities including a paved biking and walking path, scenic picnic areas, and bald eagle habitats.
  • The Auburn Heights Preserve in Yorklyn features scores of trails, a paper mill, and the Queen Anne mansion.
  • White Clay Creek State Park in Newark encompasses a nature center, fishing creek, and disc golf course.

Read on to learn about many other amazing state parks in Delaware.

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