9 Insane Things That Happened In Delaware You Won’t Find in History Books
By Kim Magaraci|Published May 22, 2017
×
Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Delaware is a state full of history! In fact, we have an entire National Park that spans half of the state, noting important historic places in the First State. You probably know that Delaware has been a state, colony, and territory with a long and storied history, and in school all you ever heard about was Fort Miles, Fort Delaware, and the Green in Dover. There’s a lot more that’s happened here that might not have made the history books! However familiar you are with your Delaware history, you might be surprised to know that the following quirky things happened in Delaware.
For the first time ever, the Betsy Ross Flag was flown at Cooch's Bridge in Delaware. It flew high over a revolutionary war battle on September 3, 1777.
Would you believe that the country didn't really eat chicken until the late 1920s? Cecile Steele of Ocean View accidentally ended up with 500 chicks, when she had ordered 50 to complement her egg-laying flock. The delivery truck arrived, and instead of getting overwhelmed, she took on these chickens with no idea she was about to launch an industry. Though it was slow to develop, Delmarva's chicken industry soon fed the country, and is still a big poultry leader.
The first peach orchard in the United States was right here in Delaware! The ideal growing conditions made this a huge crop in the state, and soon Delaware was growing more of the fruit than anywhere else in the world. To this day, the peach blossom is the state's flower, and peach pie is our state dessert.
When Charlie Mason and Jeremiah Dixon came over from England to draw the Mason-Dixon line, they were doing it to settle a land dispute regarding the borders of Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland. At the time, Delaware was referred to as the 'three lower counties', but it began to take on a strong identity after the borders were drawn. If it weren't for some colonial powers beefin' over turf, our state might not have been established.
Caesar Rodney is an unsung hero of the Revolution. While everyone knows about Paul Revere riding through New England, not many people remember another important marathon ride - that of Rodney on the night of July 1, 1776. The Continental Congress was deadlocked in a tie regarding whether to declare independence, and Caesar Rodney, despite ill health, rode 70 miles from Dover to Philadelphia in a thunderstorm. He arrived just as voting began, and three days later, the Declaration of Independence was signed.
6. Elementary Schools Made Some Important Decisions
In the 1970s, a second grade class called on the State of Delaware to declare the Ladybug the state's official insect. In 2002, a first grade class asked the State of Delaware to officially recognize the motto of "The First State". Both motions were approved. I guess lawmakers can't help but agree with young students!
7. Thomas Garrett Traded His Fortune For The Chance To Help
Thomas Garrett was one of the most significant figures along the Underground Railroad, and he used his entire fortune in efforts to aid slaves seeking freedom. His actions, along with those of Harriet Tubman, are recognized at Tubman-Garrett Memorial Park along Wilmington's Riverfront.
Marley worked at the Chrysler Plant and for DuPont, years before he became the world's most famous Reggae musician.
Delaware is responsible for so much history and tradition in the United States! Though it gets overlooked, there are many reasons why Delaware deserves more credit than it gets. I mean, just check out our list of 10 Reasons Why Delaware Is The Most Underrated State In The US, and see if you agree.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
