1. On July 8, 1776, the Delaware Assembly became one of the first colonial legislative bodies to endorse the Declaration of Independence. The approval was a historic moment for the state, as it joined the other 12 colonies that had already signed the document.

2. Wilmington, Delaware's largest city, was officially incorporated on July 8, 1739. The city's name is believed to have originated from the Swedish word "Wilmersdorff," which means "William's village."

3. On July 8, 1863, Confederate troops under General Robert E. Lee invaded Delaware as part of the Gettysburg Campaign. The raid was unsuccessful, and the Union troops successfully defended the state from invasion.

4. The Delaware State Police was established on July 8, 1923. Today, over 700 state troopers protect and serve the First State.

5. On July 8, 1960, William Roth Jr. was elected as a U.S. Senator from Delaware. Roth would serve in the Senate for 30 years, and is perhaps best known for his authorship of the Roth IRA retirement account.