Delaware

Early Networks

Early in its history, Delaware had two major Native American tribes, which comprised its social networks: the Lenapes (who are best known for their knowledge of growing maize and producing furs), and the Nanticokes (who are best known for their knowledge of growing beans and tobacco). These two important Native American tribes began an agricultural way of life, which has largely continued for many living in Kent and Sussex Counties. Agricultural products include broilers, soybeans, corn, wheat, barley, peas, potatoes, and apples. From a social network perspective, this idea of agriculture has partitioned Delaware, with the southern portion of the state (Kent and Sussex Counties) being more known for agriculture, manufacturing, and mining, and the northern portion of the state (New Castle County) known for industries such as real estate, civil engineering, and chemical engineering. Collectively, some of Delaware's most vigorous areas of employment include farming, automotive manufacturing, banking, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.

Although economic development in the state has been steady over the past several decades, several individuals felt that addressing governmental and environmental issues related to banking, law, construction, manufacturing, printing, academia, and architecture was necessary. In short, the Committee of 100, which congregated in 1967 and included individuals from both small and large businesses, still remains very active in fostering a healthy economy and helping business leaders to thrive.

Yet another important social network marker deals with sports. Delaware only has one official professional sports team (the Delaware Griffins, who are part of the Women's Professional Football League), but also has a minor league baseball team (the Wilmington Blue Rocks); a basketball team (the Delaware Destroyers, which is part of the Eastern Basketball Alliance); two soccer teams (Central Delaware SA Future, which is part of the Women's Premier Soccer League, and the Delaware Dynasty, which is part of the USL Premier Development League); and a roller derby team (the Wilmington City Ruff Rollers, which is part of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association). Professional football is a large part of the lives of Delawareans, with most identifying themselves as fans of the nearby Washington Redskins, the Philadelphia Eagles, and/or the Baltimore Ravens. However, the sport that has probably gained the most attention in the state over the years is auto racing. Located in the capital city, the Dover International Speedway—also known as the Monster Mile—opened in 1969 and has routinely hosted several of NASCAR's biggest racing events, including the Spring Cup Series, the Nationwide Series, the Camping World Truck Series, and the Camping World East Series.

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