8 Impressive ‘Firsts’ Delaware Had Before Any Other State

Beyond being the official "First State," Delaware has several other firsts that warrant national bragging rights. From designing the first automobile to the first-ever spacesuits, it's clear that state history, culture, and passion run deep for Delawareans.

Our little state is a big pioneer—we're more than cute historic towns, meaderies and wineries, and underrated hikes. Here are eight other firsts that helped put Delaware on the map.

1. We Were First to Offer a Study Abroad Program

The University of Delaware was the first college to offer a study abroad program in 1923. Since that time, study abroad programs have risen to historic proportions, providing thousands of students with the opportunity to explore new cultures and destinations.

2. We Designed the First Automobile

The first automobile was designed by Delawarean inventor Oliver Evans. In 1804, Evans shared his plans for a steam-powered land vehicle called the Oructor amphibolis, inspired by his successful invention of the steam engine. While this specific automobile never came to be, Evans still had a leading role in Delaware's history, particularly in the milling industry. Learn more about him at the Abbott's Mill Nature Center.

3. The First Methodist Church Started Here

Barratt's Chapel, located near Frederica, Delaware, is considered the birthplace of American Methodism. It's the oldest-surviving church building in the U.S., officially established in 1780 by prominent political figure Philip Barratt. To this day, visitors attend weekly services and the chapel's museum to learn more.

4. The 'Betsy Ross' American Flag Was First Flown Here

At one point, historians believed this version of the flag (with the stars in a circle instead of rows) was first flown at the Battle of Cooch's Bridge during the American Revolutionary War in September 1777. Current evidence points to this being unlikely, but it's still cool to think about the flag's origin story in the state's very own town of Newark.

5. We Started the Mason-Dixon Line Survey

Jeremiah Dixon and Charles Mason founded the Mason-Dixon line survey just outside of Newark, Delaware, in 1763. At the time, both men were land surveyors for the boundaries between Maryland and Pennsylvania. They founded the Mason-Dixon line to settle state border disputes between all three states.

The entire Mason-Dixon line runs along the southern border of Pennsylvania and turns south at Delaware. Find the starting monument at White Clay Creek State Park.

6. We Had the First Commercial Chicken Farm

In 1923, Ocean View, Delaware, housewife Cecile Steele ordered her usual 50 chickens to help support her family. But instead of 50 chickens, she accidentally received 500, and decided to raise and sell them for a significant profit. Now, Steele is credited with opening the first commercial poultry farm in the U.S., along with starting up the boiler industry in Delaware.

7. NASA's First Spacesuits Were Built Here

The first spacesuits ever used by the NASA program were built right in Frederica, Delaware, in the late 1960s. The manufacturing company ILC Dover, LP, hired a team of seamstresses to help work on the designs that were used for the Apollo space mission. To this day, ILC Dover LP makes aerospace and personal protection materials that keep astronauts safe.

8. Of Course, We Were Also the First State

We didn't get the nickname "The First State" for nothing. On December 7, 1787, Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Since 1933, the state's governors have celebrated this monumental moment in history by officially declaring the date Delaware Day. Several museums and local businesses partake in the festivities with fun contests and events.

Delawareans aren't just great at being first—we also hold some pretty cool world records. Don't believe it? Plan a trip with Only In Your State's itinerary planner to uncover Delaware's allure for yourself.