This border state produced about half of the gunpowder for the union
On the January 26, 2026 episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy category was “U.S. States”, and the clue focused on a state with significant historical impact during the Civil War. The clue read: “This border state produced about half of the gunpowder for the Union.” Contestants had to consider not only geography but also the state’s industrial and logistical role during the 1860s. It was a question that tied military history to economic output and infrastructure.
What Is Delaware?
The correct response was “What is Delaware?” This small Mid-Atlantic state, though often overlooked due to its size, played a critical role in supporting the Union during the American Civil War. As a border state, Delaware remained in the Union despite being a slaveholding state, and its industrial capacity helped fuel the Northern war effort.
The Role of Delaware in the Civil War
Delaware’s contribution to the Union cause was far greater than might be expected for such a small state. Its geographical location gave it strategic importance, bordered by Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, with access to major waterways. However, its true impact came through industry—particularly gunpowder manufacturing.
The E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, better known simply as DuPont, was headquartered in Delaware and was the leading producer of gunpowder in the United States at the time. During the Civil War, the company supplied roughly half of the Union army’s gunpowder. DuPont’s Brandywine mills near Wilmington were in constant operation to meet the overwhelming demand.
DuPont’s Industrial Dominance
Founded in 1802 by Éleuthère Irénée du Pont, DuPont had long been a leader in gunpowder production by the time the Civil War broke out. The company’s experience and technological infrastructure allowed it to scale production rapidly. With safe access to transportation routes and government contracts, DuPont became essential to the Union’s ability to maintain a steady supply of ammunition.
Unlike Southern states whose industrial bases were less developed or compromised by wartime blockades, Delaware’s position ensured uninterrupted production and distribution. The federal government heavily relied on this supply chain, which made DuPont and Delaware indispensable to the Union cause.
Delaware’s Unique Status as a Border State
Delaware’s loyalty to the Union, despite maintaining legal slavery until the ratification of the 13th Amendment, highlights the complexity of the term “border state.” It had a divided population, with both Unionist and Confederate sympathizers, but the state never seceded. Its alignment with the North, coupled with its industrial advantages, allowed it to contribute without the internal disruption seen in other border states like Missouri or Kentucky.
The decision by Delaware’s leaders to remain in the Union was partly economic. The state benefited from trade and proximity to key Northern markets, and the presence of major employers like DuPont further cemented its alignment. This pragmatism played out on the battlefield through the material support it provided.
The Legacy of Delaware’s Civil War Contribution
Today, Delaware’s Civil War legacy remains a point of historical interest. The DuPont company would go on to become one of the largest chemical corporations in the world, but its rise to national prominence was accelerated by its role in the war. The state’s industrial and logistical support helped shape the outcome of the conflict and set the stage for its post-war growth.
The January 26, 2026 clue on Jeopardy! served as a reminder of how industrial capacity and state-level decisions influenced the broader trajectory of American history. Delaware, though small in size, had an outsized impact—one that helped shape the fate of a nation.