Delaware: The First State, also known as The Blue Hen State. The nickname comes from the fighting Blue Hen Cocks that were carried with soldiers for entertainment during the Revolutionary War. It was was officially adopted on April 14, 1939, having been used as many political campaigns and publications.Print Collection has commissioned artist Julian Montague to create our State of America series. These bright, bold, graphic images iconicize the quirky Official State Insignias from around the nation. Red States and Blue States may now be a thing of the past.