The term “Blue Hen” refers to a powerful symbol rooted in the colonial history of the United States, representing both a specific strain of poultry and the enduring spirit of the state of Delaware. This unique moniker is tied directly to the valor of the state’s Revolutionary War soldiers, who earned a famous nickname that ultimately became a source of state pride. The Blue Hen’s legacy is preserved today through its status as a major state symbol, connecting a rare type of chicken to a modern cultural identity.
The Delaware Blue Hen Chicken Breed
The Blue Hen is not a formally recognized breed of poultry, but rather a landrace or strain of highly aggressive gamecocks descended primarily from the Old English Game fowl popular in the 1700s. These birds were known for their distinctive steel-blue plumage, a color created by a genetic factor that does not breed true. The adult males are relatively small, weighing around five pounds, and historically possessed a fierce temperament that made them prized for cockfighting.
The connection to Delaware began during the Revolutionary War with a company of soldiers from Kent County in the Delaware Regiment, led by Captain Jonathan Caldwell. Caldwell was an avid breeder of these particular gamecocks, whose fighting prowess was unmatched in the popular wartime sport of cockfighting. These exceptional fighting birds were the offspring of a single, famed blue-feathered hen, leading the soldiers in Caldwell’s unit to be nicknamed “The Blue Hen’s Chickens” or “Sons of the Blue Hen.”
The nickname quickly became a tribute to the soldiers’ own ferocity and bravery in battle, particularly at engagements like Long Island and White Plains. The men associated themselves with the unbeatable offspring of the Blue Hen, proclaiming their gameness as they rushed into combat. This association between the bird’s fighting spirit and the regiment’s valor cemented the Blue Hen as an early, unofficial symbol for the Delaware populace.
From Battlefield Mascot to University Symbol
The reputation of the Blue Hen as a symbol of determination and fighting spirit persisted long after the war, making a natural transition into a modern institutional emblem. The University of Delaware formally adopted the Blue Hen as its symbol in 1911, showcasing it on the university yearbook, The Blue Hen. This adoption pre-dated the bird’s official state status by nearly three decades, demonstrating its deep cultural significance.
The first live representation of the mascot appeared in 1931 when a live rooster was brought to football games by a group of cheerleaders. The “Fightin’ Blue Hens” became the official nickname for the university’s athletic teams, directly referencing the aggressive and winning nature of the gamecocks from the Revolutionary War. The choice conveyed a message of resilience, persistence, and ferocity.
The modern, costumed mascot, YoUDee, was introduced in 1993, evolving from earlier, less defined suit designs from the 1950s and 1970s. YoUDee is officially considered an androgynous representation of the fighting Blue Hen, embodying the spirit of the symbol rather than a specific gender. The mascot’s enduring popularity ensures the historical nickname remains a highly visible part of Delaware’s contemporary identity.
Official State Status and Conservation Efforts
The Blue Hen’s journey from a wartime nickname to a respected emblem reached its final stage when the Delaware General Assembly formally designated the “Blue Hen Chicken” as the official State Bird on April 14, 1939. This legislative action formalized a tradition that had existed for over 160 years, choosing the historical symbol over other proposals, such as the scarlet cardinal. The designation solidified the bird’s role as a representation of the state’s pride and heritage.
Despite its symbolic prominence, the actual strain of Blue Hen chicken became rare over time, leading to modern conservation efforts. The University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources maintains a small breeding flock on the campus farm. This current stock was established in the 1960s with birds donated by breeder S. Hallock du Pont, though they are not directly descended from the original Revolutionary War birds.
The university’s program works to maintain the strain, sometimes cross-breeding with similar poultry like the Blue Andalusian to approximate the original gamecock characteristics. These efforts ensure that the genetic characteristics and historical strain remain a living part of Delaware’s history. A small group of these live roosters, known as “The Birdgade,” even makes occasional appearances at university football games.