Delaware

Some of the key events about Delaware

• 1638

  The first permanent European settlement was established in Delaware
• 1638

  Swedish colonists were massacred by Native Americans at present-day Lewes
• 1664

  The Dutch forcibly took control of the Swedish colony in Delaware
• 1704

  French privateers attacked Lewes, burning several houses and killing or capturing residents
• 1739

  A severe yellow fever epidemic struck Delaware, causing many deaths
• 1776

  Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution
• 1777

  British forces captured Wilmington during the American Revolutionary War
• 1802

  E.I. du Pont founded a gunpowder mill, marking the beginning of the DuPont Company
• 1802

  A devastating fire destroyed much of New Castle, including many historic buildings
• 1861

  Delaware, though remaining in the Union, was a slave state during the American Civil War
• 1872

  The University of Delaware was founded as a private institution
• 1897

  Delaware adopted its current state flag
• 1937

  The Delaware Memorial Bridge opened, connecting Delaware and New Jersey
• 1951

  The Delaware Turnpike (I-95) opened, improving transportation infrastructure
• 1968

  Wilmington was occupied by the National Guard for nine months following riots after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination
• 1971

  Delaware became the first state to ratify the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
• 1973

  A major oil spill occurred when the tanker Olympic Games ran aground in the Delaware River
• 1992

  Delaware's Cape Henlopen State Park was designated as a National Natural Landmark
• 2008

  Delaware experienced a severe economic downturn during the Great Recession
• 2013

  Delaware became the 11th state to legalize same-sex marriage

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.