Delaware is nicknamed "The First State" because it was first to ratify the U.S. Constitution, on December 7, 1787.
A brief historyFrom 1682 to 1704, the "Three Lower Counties Upon Delaware" had a combined colonial legislature with Pennsylvania. It was never a happy marriage, so William Penn, proprietor of both colonies, allowed Delaware its independence.
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In 1704, the first Delaware General Assembly met in New Castle. The state capitol was moved to Dover in 1777, during the American Revolution. We have been here ever since. |