Did You Know!
Rarely Known Fact About Delaware: The State Has One of the Most Unusual Borders in America
Did you know that Delaware is one of the few states in America with a border shaped like part of a nearly perfect circle?
Known as the Twelve-Mile Circle, this unusual boundary dates back to 1682, when William Penn was granted land extending 12 miles outward from the courthouse in New Castle, Delaware.
Unlike most state borders, which follow straight lines, rivers, or mountain ranges, Delaware’s northern boundary curves in a distinctive circular arc. This makes it one of the most recognizable and unusual state boundaries on a map.
Even more fascinating, the Twelve-Mile Circle played a role in historic boundary disputes involving Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Its unique shape helped create some complicated geographical features that still exist today.
Although Delaware is the second-smallest state in America, its borders hold a surprisingly rich history dating back more than 340 years.
Fun Fact: The Twelve-Mile Circle remains part of Delaware’s official boundary today, making this small East Coast state home to one of America’s most fascinating geographical oddities.