History of Delaware, USA

1631 - Eleven years after the landing of the English pilgrims the first white settlement was made on Delaware soil.

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1638 - New Sweden was founded as a colony and is recognized as the first permanent colony on Delaware soil.
In 1638, New Sweden was founded as a colony along the Delaware River, marking the first permanent European settlement on Delaware soil. The colony was established by Swedish and Finnish settlers under the leadership of Peter Minuit, who famously purchased Manhattan Island from the Lenape Native Americans while serving as director of the Dutch colony of New Netherland. New Sweden's main settlement was Fort Christina, named after Queen Christina of Sweden, located near present-day Wilmington, Delaware. The colony's primary purpose was to establish a profitable fur trade and expand Sweden's influence in the New World.

New Sweden faced challenges from its neighbors, particularly the Dutch, who also sought to control the lucrative fur trade in the region. In 1655, the Dutch captured New Sweden, incorporating it into New Netherland. However, the legacy of New Sweden endured, as many of its settlers remained in the area and played a significant role in the cultural and economic... Read MORE...

1777 - The United States flag was reportedly first flown in the Battle of Cooch's Bridge in Delaware on Sept. 3, 1777.
In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, the United States flag was reportedly flown for the first time in the Battle of Cooch's Bridge, which took place in Delaware on September 3rd. The battle was part of a larger campaign by British forces under General William Howe to capture Philadelphia, then the capital of the United States. The American forces, led by General George Washington, were attempting to delay the British advance.

During the Battle of Cooch's Bridge, which was a minor engagement, American forces attempted to halt the British advance across the Brandywine River. While the exact details are unclear and the historical record is debated, some accounts suggest that the American flag, featuring thirteen stars and thirteen stripes representing the original thirteen colonies, was flown during this battle. If true, this would make it one of the earliest recorded instances of the flag being flown in a military engagement, symbolizing the unity and resolve of the... Read MORE...

1787 - Delaware ratified U. S. Constitution; became nation's first state

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1829 - Delaware Canal opened; state legislature established public education system
In 1829, the Delaware Canal opened, marking a significant moment in American transportation history. The canal, stretching 60 miles from Easton to Bristol, Pennsylvania, was constructed to connect the Delaware River with the Lehigh River, providing a vital waterway for the transportation of goods between eastern Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.

The Delaware Canal played a crucial role in the region's economic development, facilitating the transport of coal, lumber, and agricultural products. Its opening spurred industrial growth along its banks and helped establish Philadelphia as a major commercial center.
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1861 - January 3 – American Civil War: Delaware votes not to secede from the Union.
In January 1861, the United States stood on the brink of civil war as states grappled with the issue of secession. Delaware, a slave state, held a critical vote on January 3rd to determine its allegiance. Despite its geographic location in the South, Delaware chose to remain loyal to the Union, making it one of the few slave states to do so.

Delaware's decision not to secede was significant for several reasons. It maintained the Union's control over a crucial border state, which could have shifted the balance of power in favor of the Confederacy. Additionally, Delaware's choice reflected the complex and divided loyalties within border states, where slavery was practiced but secession was not universally supported.
January 3, 1861

January 17, 1893 - The mercury dipped to 17 degrees below zero at Millsboro, DE, to establish a state record.

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1895 - Delaware
Delaware, one of the Middle Atlantic states, in area the smallest state in the Union except Rhode Island, is bounded N. by Pennsylvania, E. by Delaware River and Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and S. and W. by Maryland. Its length (from 38°28' to 39° 50' N. lat.) is 96 miles; its breadth ranges from 9 to 37 miles (75° to 75° 46' W. lon.). Area, 2050 square miles, more than one-half of which consists of cultivated farm-lands...

History-Delaware Bay was discovered by Hudson in 1609, and visited in 1610 by Lord De la Warr. Prominent events of local history have been the purchase of part of the country by the Dutch, 1629; the settlement of Lewes by the Dutch, 1630; the destruction of the colony by Indians, 1833; the purchase of the W. coast of the bay by the Swedes and Finns, and the founding (1638) of the colony of New Sweden, which extended as far up the river as Wicaco, now in Philadelphia; the construction of Fort Casimir, at New Castle, by the Dutch; its capture by the Swedes, 1654;... Read MORE...

1907 - (Delaware) State licensed first automobile; Emily Bissell introduced Christmas Seal

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1939 - DuPont opened nylon plant in Seaford; exhibited nylon stockings at World Fairs in San Francisco, New York
In 1939, the chemical company DuPont made a significant impact on the textile industry by opening a nylon plant in Seaford, Delaware. This plant marked the beginning of large-scale production of nylon, a synthetic fiber that would revolutionize the textile industry due to its durability, elasticity, and versatility. The opening of the plant signaled the start of a new era in textiles, as nylon quickly became a popular material for a wide range of products, from clothing to parachutes.

To showcase the potential of nylon, DuPont exhibited nylon stockings at the 1939 World's Fair in both San Francisco and New York. These exhibitions were groundbreaking, as nylon stockings were a sensation, quickly becoming a symbol of modernity and progress. The stockings were in high demand, and their introduction marked the beginning of a new fashion trend that would shape women's clothing for decades to come.
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1951 - First span of Delaware Bridge opened between Delaware and New Jersey
The opening of the first span of the Delaware Bridge in 1951 marked a significant milestone in transportation history, linking Delaware and New Jersey over the Delaware River. The bridge, a suspension bridge, was a marvel of engineering at the time and a crucial link in the region's infrastructure. Its construction had been a massive undertaking, requiring meticulous planning and execution.

The opening of the bridge had far-reaching effects on the local economies and communities on both sides of the river. It facilitated easier and quicker movement of goods and people between the two states, boosting trade and commerce.
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2023 - Delaware has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Delaware:
Visit Wilmington:

Explore the Brandywine Valley and its world-class museums, including the Brandywine River Museum of Art and the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library.

Take a stroll along the Riverfront and enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Rehoboth Beach:

Relax on the pristine Rehoboth Beach, known for its beautiful boardwalk and vibrant atmosphere.
Shop at the Tanger Outlets for some retail therapy.

Explore the vibrant dining scene with a wide range of restaurants serving fresh seafood and other delights.

Historical Sites:

Visit New Castle, a historic colonial town with well-preserved 18th-century architecture.

Explore Fort Delaware State Park, a Civil War-era fort accessible by ferry from Delaware City.

Outdoor Adventures:

Go hiking, biking, or birdwatching at Cape Henlopen State Park, which offers scenic trails and beautiful beaches.

Enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding in Delaware's rivers and... Read MORE...