Delaware Was The First State In The Country To Do These 8 Things

Everyone knows that Delaware is the First State, but did you know how many Delaware firsts we can claim responsibiltiy for? Our little state is a big pioneer – look at all of the things we started.

The University of Delaware was the first to offer a Study Abroad program, in 1923.

University of Delaware

The first automobile was designed by Delawarean Oliver Evans, in 1805.

Flickr / Wikimedia Commons

The First Methodist Church was Barratt’s Chapel in Frederica, founded in 1778.

Flickr / MTSOfan

The “Betsy Ross” American Flag was first flown in Battle above Cooch’s Bridge in Newark, on September 3, 1777.

Flickr / David Wright

Jeremiah Dixon and Charles Mason started the Mason Dixon line survey just outside of Newark, Delaware, in 1763.

Wikimedia Commons / Doug Kerr

In 1923, Cecile Steele accidentally accepted an order of 500 chickens, when she had only ordered 50. Steele was an entrepreneurial woman, and her farm was the first big farm to raise chickens for meat.

Flickr / Terrin In VA

The first spacesuits for the NASA astronaut program were built in Frederica, Delaware in the late 1960s! To this day, ILC Dover, LP products are regularly used to keep astronauts safe.

Wikimedia Commons

Of course, Delaware was the first at being… well.. a state! On December 7, 1787, Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution.

Flickr / Ron Cogswell

That “Delaware started chicken” story is probably my favorite bit of Delaware lore – read the whole story right here. What’s your favorite story from Delaware’s history?