1. Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution on June 26, 1787. This act led to other states following suit and ultimately resulted in the establishment of the federal government as we know it today.
2. On June 26, 1903, the DuPont Company was incorporated in Delaware. The company is best known for its production of chemicals, including nylon and Teflon, and its role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
3. The Delaware Memorial Bridge, which spans the Delaware River and connects Delaware to New Jersey, opened to traffic on June 26, 1951. The bridge was the longest twin-suspension bridge in the world at the time of its construction.
4. June 26, 1974, marked the opening of the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand in Delaware. The outdoor music venue has hosted countless concerts and events over the years, featuring artists such as Boyz II Men, Gladys Knight, and Tony Bennett.
5. Delaware-born astronomer Annie Jump Cannon, who developed the modern system for classifying stars, was born on June 26, 1863. Cannon's work had a significant impact on the field of astronomy, and she was the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from Oxford University.