US Geography Delaware

Welcome to the Eight For Each State US Geography tour. I am so glad you are joining us.

First state up is Delaware, or the First State is up! Delaware’s nickname is The First State, because they were the first ones to ratify the Constitution. Being one of the original 13 colonies, Delaware has a ton of history.

US Geography Delaware

We not only touched on the original settlers, but also learned more about the Lenape Indians. A great addition to building the Delaware Memorial Bridge was watching the original news footage from the dedication — talk about pomp and circumstance!

Enjoy these Eight Great US Geography Resources for Delaware

1. Hello U.S.A Delaware

We have nearly the entire set of these books and usually begin here. I love that they have just enough information to help Ruth fill out her notebooking pages.

These are great for the young elementary crowd. Look for the interesting fact pages in the back as well as fun places to visit, famous people, and even the state song.

2. Visit the 50 Sates – Delaware on Youtube 


A quick two-minute video that is a great introduction to the state. My girls wanted to watch all the rest of the states too! These videos are produced in alphabetical order and only go up to Maryland, so if you can’t find South Dakota, that is why.

3. When Washington Crossed the Delaware

This book is a great way to introduce a bit of history into your U.S. geography study. The pictures are gorgeous! The story is easy enough for young elementary children to understand and is short enough for a one-afternoon read aloud.

4. George Washington crossing the Delaware river on Youtube


A great History Channel style video on George Washington crossing the Delaware. Even my four-year-old, Benaiah was very interested. Although, he was just waiting for them to start shooting at each other. But, he DID enjoy it!

5. Build the Delaware Memorial Bridge

Confessions of a Homeschooler has an entire U.S. geography curriculum for purchase, but what I really like are her projects. There is not one for every state, but the one for Delaware is really cool!

US Geography Delaware Bridge

My girls LOVED making their bridge. I took a mostly hands off (a few engineering issues did arise) approach to this project, and it paid off. They had a great time making it and were very proud to show it to anyone who would listen to their spiel on Delaware Memorial Bridge facts.

Then we watched the Delaware Memorial Bridge Dedication on Youtube Part 1  (Part 2). Stay with me here. Yes, a 1951 news cast. This was a BIG deal! The Delaware Memorial bridge was at the time the sixth longest bridge in the world. And it is still the longest two span bridge!

I felt it was important to show the kids a little bit of the pomp and circumstance that went along with the great engineering feats of this time. We were proud. To be there in the crowd was a very exciting!

6. Lenape Indians

Ruth really wanted to learn more about the American Indians who lived in Delaware. Many of the books on this topic discussed the captives who were taken and lived with the Lenape. These are great books, but Ruth was not ready for them.

So instead, we used this website. Not the best as far as format, but great and thorough information. Ruth put together quite a nice little presentation for co-op with the information from this site.

If you have an older elementary or middle school child, I recommend The Light in the Forest and Dear America: Standing in the Light. Both great books for discussion of the ordeal the Lenape captives endured.

USA State Study Notebooking Pages

7. The Hagley Museum or the DuPont’s Mansion and Mills

Sarah Joan’s notebooking pages have lovely landmark pages. These have been so helpful. It can be very difficult for me to choose one landmark out of all the wonderful possible things to study. Having a landmark page choosen for me is fantastic!

Delaware has one for the Hagley Museum. Check out the Hagley Museum website. There is a great short video telling you all about the place.

 Delaware (Hello U.S.A.) When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots The Light in the Forest Dear America: Standing in the Light

8. Apple Dumplings!

I did say you could do this without food. But look at these Apple Dumplings. You know you want to do this.

Apple dumplings were made by the Quakers, who were some of the first to settle Delaware. The apples would be wrapped in a dough and boiled until done. Now most people bake them in the oven.

Here is our version:

  • 3 apples cut into fourths
  • Cinnamon
  • Crust for a one crust pie (Yes, pre-made is ok. I won’t judge. 😉 )

Sauce

  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1½ cups water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  1. 1. Roll out dough and cut into 12 strips.
  2. 2. Wrap apple slices in dough strips and place in 9×13.
  3. 3. Combine sauce ingredients in small pan and bring to a light boil for 2 minutes.
  4. 4. Pour sauce over dumplings.
  5. 5. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
  6. 6. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

US Geography Scrapbooking Pages

Create your very own scrapbook to record your travels through the United States. Each week we will be providing a new scrapbooking page for you to print and your student to complete.

US Geography Scrapbook Pages

Download your FREE State Scrapbooking Pages

Have you been to Delaware? (In real life or in a study like this one) What is your favorite site to see?