In the state of Delaware, numerous symbols have been approved by the Delaware General Assembly and added to the Delaware Code.
Insignia
Type Symbol Description Year Image SourceFlagThe flag of DelawareConsists 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.1913SealThe great seal of the state of DelawareFirst adopted in 1777, with the current version being adopted in 2004. It contains the state coat of arms surrounded by the inscription "Great Seal of the State of Delaware" and the dates 1704, 1776 and 1787.1777Motto"Liberty and Independence"Derived from the Order of Cincinnati1847—NicknamesThe First StateAdopted to commemorate Delaware becoming the first of the 13 original states to ratify the U.S. Constitution.2002 The Diamond StateThis nickname comes from the legend that Thomas Jefferson described Delaware as a jewel among states due to its strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard.—Blue Hen StateThis nickname comes from the fighting Blue Hen cocks that were carried with soldiers for entertainment during the Revolutionary War. Small WonderThis nickname comes from substantial contributions Delaware has made as compared to its relatively small size.—
Species Type Symbol Description Year Image SourceFruitStrawberry2010BirdDelaware Blue HenThe Blue Hen has been used as many political campaigns and publications.1939BugLady bugOfficially adopted at the suggestion of Mollie Brown-Rust's second grade class at the Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford, Delaware.1974TreeAmerican hollyIlex opacaRegarded as one of Delaware's most important forest trees1939FlowerPeach blossomOfficially adopted in recognition of peach tree orchards yielding thousands of dollars' worth of crop worth at that time.1895FishWeakfishCynoscionOfficially adopted in recognition of its values as a game and food fish.1981HerbSweet goldenrodSolidago odoraOfficially adopted indigenous to the state, commonly found in coastal areas and along the edges of marshes and thickets1996ButterflyEastern tiger swallowtailPterourus glaucusOfficially adopted as indigenous to Delaware and commonly found in deciduous woods, along streams, rivers, and wooded swamps, and in towns and cities throughout Delaware. They were chosen based on a statewide vote of public and parochial students, out of suggestions from students of the Richardson Park Learning Center.1999Marine animalHorseshoe crabLimulus polyphemusOfficially adopted in recognition of its importance and value in the medical field and as the principal food source for more than a million shore birds.2002MacroinvertebrateStonefly(order Plecoptera)Officially adopted in recognition of the importance of excellent water quality and the vital role played by healthy aquatic ecosystems. It was supported by Gunning-Bedford Middle School, Salesianum High School, Delcastle Technical High School, Dickinson High School Environmental Club, The Independence School, Springer Middle School, St. Andrews School, and The Charter School of Wilmington.2005Wildlife animalGrey foxUrocyon cinereoargenteus2010Sea turtleLoggerhead turtleCaretta caretta2022DogRescue dogs2023DragonflyBlue dasherPachydiplax longipennis2025Migratory birdRed knotCalidris canutus2025Sea shellChanneled whelkBusycotypus canaliculatus2014DinosaurDryptosauridae 2022
Geology Type Symbol Description Year Image SourceMineralSillimaniteRecognized by geologists in Delaware prior to 1830, is widespread throughout the schists of the Delaware Piedmont, and occurs as large masses and stream-rounded boulders at the Brandywine Springs State Park1977FossilBelemniteOfficially adopted at the suggestion of Kathy Tidball's third grade Quest students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware. The fossil, an extinct squid with a conical shell, is commonly found along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.1996SoilGreenwich loamCommonly found in all counties in Delaware and enhancing water quality, agriculture, wildlife habitat, and natural landscape beauty2000
Culture Type Symbol Description Year Image SourceSong"Our Delaware"by George Beswick HynsonThe song comprises three verses, each honoring one of Delaware's three counties, with the fourth verse added by Donn Devine commemorating the American Revolution Bicentennial in 1976. The musical score was composed by Will M. S. Brown specifically for the poem.1925—ColorsColonial blue and buff DessertPeach pie2009BeverageMilk1983CocktailOrange Crush2024StarTYC 3429-697-1The star in the Ursa Major constellation was officially adopted after it was nicknamed "The Delaware Diamond". Despite being the official state star, its name is not recognized by astronomical community, because it was named by the private company International Star Registry.2000Tall shipKalmar NyckelServes "as Delaware's seagoing ambassador both at home and at many ports of call, raising awareness of the First State for thousands who see her and come on board".2016SportBicycling2014Historical aircraftBellanca Cruisair2019
Other
See also List of Delaware-related topics Lists of United States state insignia State of Delaware
Notes
References Delaware Code Title 29
External links Delaware Facts and Symbols