Delaware’s Sidewalk Summit
Imagine climbing to the very highest point in an entire state. You might picture packing heavy hiking boots, a warm coat, and walking sticks to scale a towering, snowy mountain peak. But if you are visiting the highest point in Delaware, you can leave your climbing gear at home! In fact, you might not even realize you have reached the summit until you see the roadside sign.
Delaware is famous for being the very first state to join the United States, but it also holds a unique geographic record. It has the lowest average elevation of any state in the country. On average, the land in Delaware sits only about 60 feet above sea level. Most of the state is made up of flat coastal plains, filled with sandy beaches, marshy wetlands, and low, gently rolling hills. Because it is so close to sea level, Delaware has very few steep climbs.
In the northernmost part of the state, in New Castle County, lies Delaware’s highest natural point. It is called Ebright Azimuth. Unlike famous mountain peaks, Ebright Azimuth is not a mountain at all. It is actually located on a paved sidewalk next to a quiet residential street! It stands at just 448 feet above sea level.
- Elevation:
- The height of a place above the level of the sea.
- Coastal plain:
- A flat, low-lying area of land next to an ocean.
- Azimuth:
- A mathematical term used in navigation and mapmaking to measure directions.
- Summit:
- The highest point of a hill, mountain, or geographic area.
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- 1Why do visitors not need mountain climbing gear to reach Delaware's highest point?
- 2What unique geographic record does the state of Delaware hold?
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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“Delaware’s Sidewalk Summit” is a informational reading passage about Delaware geography and Ebright Azimuth, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (419 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.