This border state produced about half of the gunpowder for the union3

On Monday, January 26, 2026, Jeopardy! returned with another history-focused clue for its Final Jeopardy round. Falling under the category “U.S. States,” the clue asked: “This border state produced about half of the gunpowder for the Union.” The clue referenced the American Civil War and required both historical knowledge and geographical awareness to arrive at the correct response. It tested contestants’ familiarity with Civil War logistics and the industrial capacities of Northern-supporting states that bordered the South.

What is Delaware?

The correct response to the Final Jeopardy clue was “What is Delaware?” Though small in size, Delaware played an outsized role during the American Civil War. It was one of the so-called “border states”—slaveholding states that remained in the Union—and its location between Maryland and Pennsylvania made it strategically vital. But beyond its geography, Delaware made a massive contribution to the Union war effort in the form of gunpowder production.

Delaware’s most prominent contribution came from the DuPont company, which operated massive gunpowder mills along the Brandywine River. By the time the war broke out in 1861, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company had already become a leading manufacturer of gunpowder in the United States. During the war, the company significantly increased production, supplying more than 4 million barrels of gunpowder to Union forces—estimated to be nearly half of all gunpowder used by the Union Army.

Delaware’s Strategic and Industrial Importance

Although Delaware was a slave state, it rejected secession and remained loyal to the Union. Its loyalty, combined with its industrial base and proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore, made it critical to the Northern war effort. The state was home to well-developed transportation networks, including rail lines and ports, which allowed for efficient movement of goods and materials.

The DuPont powder mills in Wilmington, Delaware, were considered essential to national security. The federal government relied heavily on these supplies, and Delaware’s location meant that it could produce and ship gunpowder without significant interference from Confederate forces. This reliable and secure supply line gave the Union a distinct advantage in terms of ammunition and explosive capability.

The DuPont Legacy in American Industry

The significance of Delaware’s role in gunpowder production cannot be discussed without highlighting the DuPont family and their influence on American industry. Founded in 1802, DuPont began as a gunpowder manufacturer and steadily expanded throughout the 19th century. By the time of the Civil War, it was already one of the nation’s largest producers of explosives, and the conflict helped solidify its position.

The company’s contributions extended beyond just raw materials. DuPont improved safety procedures and production techniques during the war, laying the groundwork for future industrial innovations. After the Civil War, the company diversified into chemicals and materials science, eventually becoming a major multinational corporation. The powder mills that once fueled the Union war machine now form part of the Hagley Museum, preserving this legacy for future generations.

Understanding the Broader Role of Border States

Delaware’s role in gunpowder production is part of a larger story about the importance of border states in the Civil War. States like Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri also remained in the Union and provided key logistical support, manpower, and industrial output. Their position along the divide between North and South made them hotbeds of military activity and political tension, but they also contributed meaningfully to the Union victory.

In Delaware’s case, its contribution was more industrial than military, though the state did send troops to fight for the Union. Its ability to operate secure and highly productive facilities during wartime was essential to maintaining supply chains. This highlights how wartime success often depends not only on battle strategy but also on behind-the-scenes support and infrastructure.

A Small State With a Large Impact

Monday’s Jeopardy! clue served as a reminder of the often-overlooked yet pivotal roles played by smaller states during national crises. Delaware may not have been the most populous or militarily active state in the Civil War, but its contribution to gunpowder production had a direct effect on the Union’s ability to sustain its armies.

This Final Jeopardy clue spotlighted how industrial might, geography, and loyalty combined to make Delaware an unsung hero of the Civil War. The question not only tested historical knowledge but also invited viewers to think more deeply about the layers of support necessary for wartime success. In the grand tapestry of American history, Delaware’s wartime role remains a powerful example of how even the smallest states can have a decisive impact.