1. In 1856, the Delaware Railroad opened for passenger and freight service, providing transportation between Wilmington and the southern county of Sussex. This crucial development helped connect Delaware with the rest of the country's transportation network and aided in its economic growth.

2. In 1908, Delaware-born aviator Katherine Wright (sister of the Wright Brothers) flew with her brothers in their historic demonstration flights in France, becoming the first American woman to fly in a publicly witnessed flight. Wright accompanied her brothers on several more flights, and her contributions to early aviation have been celebrated in Delaware and beyond.

3. In 1947, Delaware officially repealed its long-standing ban on interracial marriage. Though it had been unenforced for some time, this legislation served as a crucial step forward for racial equality in the state.

4. In 1978, Gov. Pierre S. du Pont IV signed into law the Coastal Zone Act, which aimed to protect Delaware's coastal areas from industry and pollution. This groundbreaking environmental legislation has been praised as an early example of state-level environmental protection regulation.

5. In 2010, Wilmington's historic Opera Delaware building reopened after a massive renovation project, restoring the building to its 19th-century grandeur. This landmark theater has hosted countless performances and is a vital part of Delaware's arts and cultural scene.