Delaware, The Small Wonder.

Delaware is one of the smallest states in the United States, it is also one of the most important. The state is named after the first people that inhabited the land. This was the Unami Lenape tribe, they are more commonly known as the Delaware. Like most tribes, these peoples were mostly pushed off of their land by European settlers. Those that did not leave were eventually baptized and assimilated.

The first European settlers in Delaware were the Dutch. They first came in 1631. Unfortunately, this first group of settlers were all killed by the native tribes within a year of their arrival. The next group to come were the Swedish. A trade post called New Sweden was established in 1638. This post would last for seventeen years. In 1651 the Dutch decided that they wanted their failed colony back and they invaded New Sweden. They established a nearby colony but, in 1655, they finally conquered the New Sweden colony and annexed it into New Netherland. This finally did not last long because in 1664 the Dutch were conquered by the English. This colony eventually became Delaware and was ruled over by the same governor of Pennsylvania, William Penn.

As the time went on and the rumblings of revolution grew, Delaware showed little interest in the idea. The fact of the matter is that few people within the colonies actually wanted independence. As usually happens, the few scream the loudest and the world changes once again. Two of the most important revolutionaries in Delaware were John Dickinson and Caesar Rodney. Thanks to these men, and Thomas McKean, the colony declared independence on June 15, 1775.

Delaware almost voted against the Declaration of Independence. Representative Caesar Rodney was  supposed to be too sick to attend the vote he was also in Delaware, which tipped the delegation against the Declaration. When Rodney heard this he made a dramatic overnight trip to Philadelphia, arriving just before the vote. Because of his actions (which could have killed him) Delaware voted in favor of the Declaration of Independence and one of the most important documents in American history was passed unanimously. Interestingly enough, Delaware would go on to be the first state to pass the Constitution.

Delaware's involvement in the Civil War is an interesting one. On January 3, 1861 they voted against secession. Although slavery was not illegal, 91.7% of the African American population was freed. This was a much higher rate than in other states. It is important to note that, although the state remained loyal to the Union their citizens fought somewhat equally on both sides of the War. Also, Delaware rejected the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments until February of 1901.

Today, Delaware is known for its pristine beaches and unique coastal towns. From New Castle Court (the first state national park) to the historic Brandywine River, there is always something interesting to explore. It may be a small state, but it is one of the great wonders of the United States.