1st Delaware Regiment

The Fighting Blue Hen by E. Paul Catts - Legend has it that the First Delaware Regiment carried with them a colorful breed of fighting gamecock during the long War for Independence. The regiment's performance in battle after battle matched the determined spirit and unfailing bravery of the blue gamecock. The rooster's color varied widely but because the hens were a dark blue-gray the breed was called the Fighting Blue Hen. Thus is the association between Delaware and the Fighting Blue Hen that became our state symbol.