The Delaware state flag features a colonial buff field with a blue diamond containing the state coat of arms. Officially adopted in 1913, the design reflects Delaware’s Revolutionary War heritage and its role as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Knowledge Graph — Delaware State Flag
| Node | Value | Notes & Context |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The Delaware flag shows a blue diamond with the state coat of arms on a buff-colored field. | The date and motto appear below the emblem. |
| Origin | Based on the state coat of arms adopted in the 18th century; flag adopted in 1913. | Design references Revolutionary War uniforms. |
| Symbol Focus | Revolutionary heritage, agriculture, and early statehood. | Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution. |
| Design Elements | Buff field, blue diamond, state coat of arms, motto, and date. | Proportion officially set at 2:3. |
| Related Terms | Delaware flag history; First State symbolism; Revolutionary War colors; 1913 flag adoption. | |
| Related Material | Delaware state flag reproductions |
Display note: Colors and emblem details are defined by Delaware state statute.
Name & Identity
The Delaware state flag has no widely used informal nickname. It is often associated with the title “The First State,” reflecting Delaware’s role in early American constitutional history.
Design & Composition
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Background Field | Colonial buff color. |
| Central Shape | Blue diamond symbolizing unity and endurance. |
| Coat of Arms | Shield depicting agriculture, commerce, and the Delaware River. |
| Text | State motto and the date “December 7, 1787.” |
| Proportion | Official ratio of 2:3. |
Symbolism
- Blue Diamond: Represents permanence and unity.
- Buff Field: Reflects the color of uniforms worn during the Revolutionary War.
- Coat of Arms: Highlights agriculture, industry, and the Delaware River.
- Date: Marks Delaware’s ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
Historical Origin
The design of the Delaware flag is rooted in the state coat of arms created during the Revolutionary era. Its buff and blue colors were associated with General George Washington’s uniform.
In 1913, Delaware formally adopted a state flag incorporating these historical elements. The flag has since served as a visual reminder of the state’s early role in the formation of the United States.