Search results
Delaware (/ ˈdɛləwɛər / ⓘ DEL-ə-wair) [11] is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic states [12] region of the United States. [13] It borders Maryland to its south and west, Pennsylvania to its north, New Jersey to its northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to its east.
- Overview
- Relief
Delaware, constituent state of the United States of America. The first of the original 13 states to ratify the federal Constitution, it occupies a small niche in the Boston–Washington, D.C., urban corridor along the Middle Atlantic seaboard. It ranks 49th among the 50 U.S. states in terms of total area and is one of the most densely populated. The state is organized into three counties—from north to south, New Castle, Kent, and Sussex—all established by 1682. Its population, like its industry, is concentrated in the north, around Wilmington, where the major coastal highways and railways pass through from Pennsylvania and New Jersey on the north and east into Maryland on the south and west. The rest of the state comprises the northeastern corner of the Delmarva Peninsula, which Delaware shares with Maryland and Virginia (hence its name). Most state government operations are located in Dover, the capital.
Historically, geographically, and economically, Delaware has had close ties with Pennsylvania, particularly the city of Philadelphia, where the Delaware River and other transportation arteries direct its commerce. The stability and conservatism that were once characteristics of Delaware, especially in the southern areas that lie adjacent to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, long maintained a grip on political life vastly out of proportion to their proponents’ numbers.
Delaware, located mainly within the Atlantic Coastal Plain, is second only to Florida for having the lowest average elevation. A long sand beach forms the state’s oceanfront, stretching from the border with Maryland, at Fenwick Island, north to Cape Henlopen, at the mouth of Delaware Bay. Only one major break, Indian River Inlet, occurs along the 23-mile (37-km) length of the beach. Much of the beach is a low bar between the ocean and a series of lagoons or shallow bays, but at Bethany Beach, near the southern boundary, and again at Rehoboth Beach, near the northern end, the mainland reaches directly to the ocean.
Britannica Quiz
USA Capitals and Nicknames Quiz
Much of the shoreline of Delaware Bay is marshy. The mouths of tributaries such as the Murderkill, the Mispillion, and the St. Jones are so shallow that only fishing boats find safe harbours north of Lewes. Farther north, on the banks of the Delaware River, spots of high, dry land appear, as at Port Penn, New Castle, and Edgemoor. The state’s main port, at Wilmington, is located at the confluence of the Delaware River and the Christina, one of its tributaries.
Most of Delaware is drained by streams that run eastward to the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean, but the Nanticoke River and its tributaries in southwestern Delaware flow into Chesapeake Bay. So does the Pocomoke River, which drains the Cypress Swamp, or so-called “Burnt Swamp,” in the extreme south of Delaware, athwart the Maryland line.
Are you a student? Get Britannica Premium for only 24.95 - a 67% discount!
- chagor. Northern Virginia, VA2 contributions. Uplifting experience!!! Our visit to this amazing museum left us wanting more! We were welcomed and introduced to Lt Col Scott who is a retired USAF jet pilot.
- Douglas B. 75 contributions. The only way to get from New Jersey to Maryland. Heard about this ferry ride on the TV Show Aerial America and planned my driving tour around it.
- Charles S. Northamptonshire, UK1,051 contributions. Sunrise to Sunset. The Cape Henlopen State Park is a lovely park area about four miles long located just a mile east of Lewes town center where the bay meets the ocean.
- L2785WVrogert. Swansea, UK14 contributions. Nemours Estate is a must if you’re in the area. Absolutely beautiful & stunning estate in rural Delaware and a fascinating house stocked with treasures & history.
Jul 29, 2024 · Learn about Delaware, the second smallest state in the U.S., with maps of its counties, regions, and location. Find out its history, geography, and key features.
- Dover
- State of Delaware
- US-DE
Delaware (/ ˈdɛləwɛər / ⓘ DEL-ə-wair) is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern region of the United States. It borders Maryland to its south and west, Pennsylvania to its north, New Jersey to its northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to its east.
Delaware (/ ˈdɛləwɛər / (listen)) [ 11 ] is a state in the United States. It is sometimes called the First State because it was the first colony to accept the new constitution in 1787. 12 Its capital is Dover and its biggest city is Wilmington. It is the second smallest state in the United States. The Dutch first settled Delaware.
Learn about the history, geography, animals, and symbols of Delaware, the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Find out the state motto, nickname, flower, bird, and more.
People also ask
Where is Delaware located?
What is the capital of Delaware?
Is Delaware a city or city?
Why is Delaware called Delaware?
Which states border Delaware?
What is Delaware known for?
