Delawareis one of theMid-Atlantic stateslocated in theNortheast megalopolisregion of the United States. The state takes its name fromThomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, an English nobleman andVirginia's first colonial governor,after whom what is now calledCape Henlopenwas originally named.
Before its coastline was explored by Europeans in the 16th century, Delaware was inhabited by several groups of Native Americans, including theLenapein the north andNanticokein the south. It was initially colonized byDutchtraders atZwaanendael, near the present town ofLewes, in 1631.Delaware was one of the13 coloniesparticipating in theAmerican Revolution. On December7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify theConstitution of the United States, thereby becoming known asThe First State.