Labeled Map of Delaware helps identify Delaware’s capital, major cities, counties, waterways, and geographic boundaries. Delaware is a small Mid-Atlantic state on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the west and south, and New Jersey across the Delaware River and Delaware Bay. The state also has an Atlantic Ocean coastline.
Delaware covers about 1,982 square miles in total area according to the State of Delaware, while U.S. Census Bureau data lists 1,948.55 square miles of land area for 2020. The difference is because total area and land area are different measurements.
Delaware is known as “The First State” because it was the first of the original 13 states to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.
Labeled Map of Delaware
A Labeled Map of Delaware provides a visual reference for the state’s location, boundaries, capital, counties, cities, and major geographic features.
Delaware is one of the smallest U.S. states by area and is located on the Delmarva Peninsula. The state is approximately 96 miles long and varies from roughly 9 to 35 miles in width, according to the State of Delaware.
The state is divided into three counties:
- New Castle County
- Kent County
- Sussex County
The three-county division is established in Delaware law.
Delaware Geography
Delaware’s geography includes coastal areas, tidal wetlands, rivers, bays, beaches, and the rolling terrain of the northern Piedmont region.
The state has connections to several important waterways, including:
- Delaware River
- Delaware Bay
- Christina River
- St. Jones River
- Smyrna River
- Mispillion River
- Nanticoke River
Delaware’s eastern boundary is closely associated with the Delaware River and Delaware Bay, while the state’s southern and western boundaries connect with Maryland and the northern boundary connects with Pennsylvania.
Labeled Map of Delaware Printable
A Labeled Map of Delaware Printable can be used for geography lessons, classroom activities, state-study projects, reference material, and educational worksheets.
The printable version can help users identify Delaware’s location within the Mid-Atlantic region and understand its relationship with neighboring states.
Delaware Counties
Delaware has only three counties:
| County | General Location |
|---|---|
| New Castle County | Northern Delaware |
| Kent County | Central Delaware |
| Sussex County | Southern Delaware |
New Castle County is the northernmost county, Kent County occupies much of central Delaware, and Sussex County covers the southern portion of the state. Delaware law officially recognizes these three counties.
Labeled Map of Delaware with Cities
A Labeled Map of Delaware with Cities makes it easier to locate important population centers and municipalities throughout the state.
Important Delaware cities and communities include:
- Wilmington
- Dover
- Newark
- Middletown
- Smyrna
- Milford
- New Castle
- Seaford
- Georgetown
- Harrington
Wilmington is Delaware’s largest city, while Dover is the state capital. Newark is also an important city in northern Delaware and is home to the University of Delaware.
Labeled Delaware Map with Capital
The Labeled Delaware Map with Capital identifies Dover as the capital city of Delaware.
Dover is located in Kent County, near the center of the state. Delaware’s capital was moved from New Castle to Dover in 1777.
Dover is an important center for Delaware’s state government and is home to major government buildings and historical sites.
Important Places in Dover
Some notable locations include:
- Delaware Legislative Hall
- First State Heritage Park
- Old State House
- Delaware State University
Dover is also located near Dover Air Force Base, a major U.S. Air Force installation.
Delaware Map: States and Water Boundaries
Delaware has land or water boundaries associated with Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
The exact boundaries are particularly interesting because Delaware’s northern boundary includes the historic Twelve-Mile Circle, while the state’s eastern boundary incorporates portions of the Delaware River and Delaware Bay. Delaware’s statutory boundary description documents these unusual geographic features.
This makes Delaware especially interesting for geography students because its boundaries are not simply straight lines.
Delaware Map Facts
Here are some useful facts that can be highlighted alongside the map:
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| State | Delaware |
| Capital | Dover |
| Largest City | Wilmington |
| Counties | New Castle, Kent, Sussex |
| Region | Mid-Atlantic / Eastern Seaboard |
| Nickname | The First State |
| Statehood | 1776 |
| First to Ratify U.S. Constitution | December 7, 1787 |
| Total Area | About 1,982 sq mi |
| Land Area | 1,948.55 sq mi |
| Highest Point | Ebright Azimuth |
| Highest Elevation | About 448 feet |
| Major Waterways | Delaware River, Delaware Bay and others |
Sources: State of Delaware, Delaware Code, and U.S. Census Bureau.
Interesting Facts About Delaware
1. Delaware is called the First State
Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.
2. Dover is the state capital
The capital was moved from New Castle to Dover in 1777.
3. Delaware has three counties
The entire state is divided into New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. Delaware Code Online
4. Delaware is geographically compact
The state is approximately 96 miles long and ranges from about 9 to 35 miles wide. delaware.gov
5. Delaware has an unusual northern boundary
The Twelve-Mile Circle forms part of Delaware’s boundary with Pennsylvania and is one of the state’s most distinctive geographic features. Delaware Code Online
6. Delaware has a very low average elevation
Delaware has the lowest mean elevation of any U.S. state, and its highest point, Ebright Azimuth, is only about 448 feet above sea level.
Why Use a Labeled Map of Delaware?
A Labeled Map of Delaware can be useful for:
- Geography students
- Teachers and educators
- Homeschooling
- Classroom worksheets
- State research projects
- Travelers planning a Delaware trip
- Researchers studying U.S. geography
- Map-reading practice
- Printable educational activities
The combination of labeled locations and geographic boundaries makes the map easier to understand than an unlabeled outline map.
Delaware Map for Students and Teachers
Teachers can use the map for activities such as:
- Locating Dover
- Identifying Wilmington
- Finding the three Delaware counties
- Identifying neighboring states
- Learning Delaware’s waterways
- Studying the Delmarva Peninsula
- Understanding state boundaries
- Practicing map-labeling exercises
For younger students, a printable map can also be paired with a blank Delaware outline map as a classroom activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Delaware?
Dover is the capital of Delaware. The state capital was moved from New Castle to Dover in 1777.
What are the three counties in Delaware?
The three counties are New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.
What is the largest city in Delaware?
Wilmington is Delaware’s largest city. State documents identify Wilmington as the state’s largest city.
Which states border Delaware?
Delaware borders Pennsylvania and Maryland, while New Jersey lies across the Delaware River and Bay. Delaware also borders the Atlantic Ocean.
Where is Dover located?
Dover is located in Kent County, in central Delaware, and serves as the state’s capital.
Why is Delaware called the First State?
Delaware is called “The First State” because it was the first of the original 13 states to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.
What is the highest point in Delaware?
Ebright Azimuth in New Castle County is Delaware’s highest elevation point, at approximately 447.85 feet (136.5 meters) above sea level.
How many counties does Delaware have?
Delaware has three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex.
Can I print the Delaware map?
Yes. The printable map and PDF provided on this page can be used as a geographic reference or educational resource.
Reference Links
State of Delaware – Facts & Symbols
https://delaware.gov/guides/facts/
U.S. Census Bureau – Delaware QuickFacts
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/DE/RHI125222
Delaware Code – State Boundaries
https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c002/
Delaware Code – County Division
https://delcode.delaware.gov/title9/c001/index.html
Delaware Public Archives – Boundary History
https://archives.delaware.gov/delaware-agency-histories/boundary-commissions/
