The Delaware Flag

 

The State Flag of Delaware was adopted on July 24, 1913 and is steeped in references to the colonial era in which Delaware was one of the thirteen original colonies. In fact, Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States and that fact is proudly represented on the state flag.

A field of colonial blue is the setting for a buff colored diamond in which the coat of arms of the state is displayed. Beneath the diamond and the coat of arms is the date, December 7, 1787. This is the day that Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution and the first state of a new nation.

The colonial blue field and the buff colored diamond were said, by members of the commission established to design the state flag, to represent the colors of a uniform worn by General George Washington. And, indeed, some regiments of the Revolution wore blue coats with buff trim. The diamond is a reference to an early state nickname, the Diamond State, so given because of Delaware's small size and great value, evidenced in its geographical position on the Atlantic Ocean and its leadership contributions.

The coat of arms depicts early occupational symbols for shipping, farming, hunting and cattle ranching.