Mark your calendars for July 13 because it's time to celebrate National Delaware Day! This day commemorates the founding of the first state in the United States and all the unique qualities that make it stand out. Did you know that Delaware was originally inhabited by Native American tribes before being settled by European colonists? It's also known for its beautiful beaches, tax-free shopping, and rich history. So let's take some time to appreciate all that Delaware has to offer and learn more about this small but mighty state on its special day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1638</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Delaware's European Settlement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Swedish settlers establish the colony of New Sweden, giving birth to the first European settlements in current Delaware.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1664</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>English Control</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British capture New Sweden from the Dutch, and the territory becomes part of Pennsylvania.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1704</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Autonomy from Pennsylvania</div><div class='timeline-text'>Delaware establishes its own assembly, though technically it remains a part of Pennsylvania until 1776.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1776</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Declared</div><div class='timeline-text'>Delaware delegates to the Continental Congress vote for independence, effectively separating Delaware from Pennsylvania.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1787</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First State</div><div class='timeline-text'>Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, earning it the nickname "The First State".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Delaware Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Delaware Day is established, to celebrate and recognize the cultural, historical, and societal contributions of the state.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a historical tour</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate National Delaware Day by taking a tour of the state's rich history. Visit historical sites such as Old New Castle, Fort Delaware, or the Hagley Museum to learn more about Delaware's past.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try some local cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Delaware is known for its delicious seafood and farm-fresh produce. Take this day to try out some local dishes, such as scrapple, blue crabs, or peach pie, and support local businesses.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a festival or event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check out what events or festivals are happening in your area to celebrate National Delaware Day. From music festivals to food fairs, there's bound to be something fun and exciting to do on this special day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a national park</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Delaware has several beautiful national parks, such as Cape Henlopen State Park and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Spend the day outdoors exploring these natural wonders and appreciating the beauty of the state.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create Delaware-themed crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make some Delaware-inspired crafts to celebrate this day. From painting a scene of the Delaware River to making a mini version of the state flag, there are endless possibilities for fun and unique crafts to commemorate National Delaware Day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the unique history and culture of Delaware</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Delaware Day is a chance to celebrate and honor the state's rich history, traditions, and diverse communities. It's an opportunity to learn more about this often overlooked state and all it has to offer.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Delaware played a significant role in American history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Did you know that Delaware was the first state to ratify the US Constitution? Or that it was instrumental in financing the Revolutionary War? National Delaware Day highlights these important contributions and reminds us of Delaware's importance in shaping our nation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings awareness to current issues and initiatives in Delaware</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Delaware Day is also an opportunity to bring attention to present-day challenges facing the state and highlight efforts being made to address them. This includes environmental conservation, economic development, and social justice issues.</p></div></div>
National Delaware Day is celebrated on July 13th every year. In 2024 National Delaware Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Jul 13
Thursday
2024
Jul 13
Saturday
2025
Jul 13
Sunday
2026
Jul 13
Monday
2027
Jul 13
Tuesday