Discover Why Delaware Is Called the Diamond State

Delaware is a mid-Atlantic state known for many things, including being the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.

But it has nothing to do with the state’s unofficial nickname, “Diamond State.” Why is Delaware called the Diamond State? Find out how this state got its nickname and if it’s still true today. I’ll give you a hint. There are no large-scale diamond mining operations in this state.

About Delaware

Before getting into the state’s nickname, it’s worth taking a quick look at a few other aspects of the state. Delaware is the second smallest state in the United States, with a combined land and water area of ​​only about 2,489 square miles. However, the state’s land area is only 1,948 square miles.

As of the 2020 Census, First State had a population of 989,957. However, the estimated population in 2022 will increase by about 28,000. Meanwhile, 1,018,396 people call the state home. In terms of state population, Delaware currently ranks 45th overall, with only Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming having lower populations.

Delaware borders several states. These include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Perhaps more important is the fact that Delaware borders the Atlantic Ocean.

Also on its eastern border are the vast Delaware Bay and the Delaware River, which separates the state from New Jersey. Wilmington, the state’s largest city, is also on the same river. These waterways are the lifeblood of the state and have helped earn Delaware its nickname of the Diamond State.

Why Is Delaware Called the Diamond State?

Legend has it that Delaware is called the Diamond State because Thomas Jefferson once described the state like a jewel because of its location. The legends put forth may relate to many aspects of the state that make it the perfect place.

First and foremost, the state is a great place for commerce due to its location. The Delaware Bay opens into the Atlantic Ocean, allowing ships to access the area. Head up the bay and you’ll reach the Delaware River. The river flows far inland and reaches cities such as Wilmington, Trenton and Philadelphia.

Delaware would have become a very important state for commercial ports alone. But another aspect of the nation is its ability to defend these ports from invaders. Thomas Jefferson survived the Revolutionary War. As such, he likely considered the region’s defensibility as part of his national assessment.

Delaware made important defenses throughout the Revolutionary War, with several battles fought along the Delaware River. Whether or not Thomas Jefferson actually called the state a gem, it remains a great state for all kinds of ocean exploration.

Is the State Still a Jewel Today?

Delaware is called the Diamond State because of Thomas Jefferson. Questions remain. Is Delaware still a gem?Delaware is a very small state with a population of just over one million people. National military defense is no longer so important to America’s defense. At least the ancient forts that once lined the coast no longer function as they used to.

Still, the state has some qualities that make it a modern East Coast gem. Delaware still has a large port. Wilmington Harbor, located in the namesake city, is a major port on the East Coast.

The port handles 400 ships per year and receives 6 million tons of cargo per year. This is the busiest terminal along the Delaware River. The state is a gem in the sense that the area is still valuable and brings supplies to important cities such as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Wilmington.

A nation is small but mighty. It’s a popular place to live because of the tax relief. Additionally, it is a great location for those wishing to travel to other cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City.

Other Nicknames for Delaware

I explained why Delaware is called the diamond state. However, this is not the only nickname the state has received over time. Alternatively, the state is also called the “Blue Hen State” and “Small Wonder”. Let’s start with the latter.

This state is a small miracle in the sense that so little space contains so much. Delaware, despite its size, has several large cities, large ports, and natural areas. Another nickname for this state is the “Blue Hen State”.

The name comes from the fact that soldiers in the Revolutionary War states brought blue chickens into battle for entertainment. Since then, the blue hen has been the state symbol and mascot of the state university.

Symbolism in the First State

Delaware is a state with different symbols. For example, the state marine animal is the horseshoe crab and the state mammal is the gray fox. The state has many other symbols such as the blue rooster, the state bird, and the tiger swallowtail, the state butterfly. Delaware has various symbols.

Why is Delaware called the Diamond State? Apparently Thomas Jefferson came up with the name, but it may just be a legend. That seems like the best explanation for now. At least for the state, it is a convincing explanation. It may not be the largest state, but it’s still an important state.