History of New Castle, Delaware, USA

New Castle, originally named Fort Casimir, was founded in 1651 by Peter Stuyvesant, who was sent to provide the Dutch with command of all river traffic.
Because of its strategic location, ownership of the settlement was constantly changing. The flags of the Netherlands, Sweden and Great Britain have all flown over New Castle.
http://newcastlecity.delaware.gov/history/

1682 - William Penn takes control of New Castle
The three counties which make up the state of Delaware were added to William Penn’s lands in America. In 1682, Penn came ashore at New Castle and took possession, but these counties, which were well established, became dissatisfied with Penn’s rule.
http://newcastlecity.delaware.gov/history/

1704 - New Castle became the colonial capitol of Delaware.

http://newcastlecity.delaware.gov/history/

1776 – New Castle became the state capital, but the state moved its governmental seat to Dover the following year.

http://newcastlecity.delaware.gov/history/

1824 – New Castle was devastated by the Great Fire on Water Street, now known as The Strand.

http://newcastlecity.delaware.gov/history/

1831 – New Castle and Frenchtown Railroad opened. It was the first railroad in Delaware and one of the first in the nation.

http://newcastlecity.delaware.gov/history/

1854 - New Castle
New Castle, a post-borough, capital of New Castle county, Delaware, on Delaware river, 5 miles S. from Wilmington, and 42 miles N. from Dover. It is the eastern terminus of the New Castle and Frenchtown railroad. It contains a court house, town hall, a bank, a public library, and churches for the Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Roman Catholics. The railroad company have a large manufactory of locomotives and other machinery. Population in 1850, 1202; in 1853, about 1500.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1875 – New Castle incorporated as a city under an act of the state legislature.

http://newcastlecity.delaware.gov/history/

1895 - New Castle
New Castle, a city and port of entry of New Castle co., Delaware, on the Delaware River, and on the Delaware Railroad, 6 miles below Wilmington. It contains a court-house, 5 white churches, 2 colored churches, 2 banks, a public library, a high school, the Delaware Iron Works, and manufactures of cotton goods, farming-implements, and woollens. Pop. in 1890, 4010.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1947 - INQUIRY INTO CRASH OF TWA PLANE STARTS.
Wilmington, Del., Nov. 19, (AP) - The crash of a four-engined Constellation that killed all five occupants while attempting to land at the New Castle County airport was being investigated today by the Civil Aeronautics Authority and officials of the Trans World Airlines.
The big plane undershot the north-south runway of the field near here yesterday, struck a dirt embankment and burst into flames before rescue crews could reach the occupants who had been on a routine flight.
"Several eye witnesses were present and saw the airplane make what appeared to be a normal approach for a landing," a TWA statement said, "when it was apparent that the plane's landing gear struck a ditch just at the end of the field."

"This impact threw the airplane out of control and it crashed."

Killed were Capt. FRANCIS X. WINKLER, 28, of Buffalo, N. Y.; Capt. E. L. CHRISTENSEN, 33, of Wilmington, Del.; Capt. VIRGIL G. KENNEDY, 33, Northeast, Md.; Flight Engineer RICHARD DE CAMPO, 28, of New Garden... Read MORE...

Here are some of the best places to go and things to do in the New Castle, Delaware area:
New Castle Historic District: Start your exploration by strolling through the New Castle Historic District. The city's cobblestone streets, well-preserved colonial architecture, and beautifully landscaped gardens will transport you back in time. Don't miss the New Castle Court House Museum, which offers insights into Delaware's early history and its role in the American Revolution.

Battery Park: This scenic park along the Delaware River is a perfect spot for a leisurely picnic, a peaceful walk, or simply enjoying the views of the water. There's a playground for kids and plenty of benches to relax on. It's also a great place for birdwatching.

Read House and Gardens: Step into the 18th century at the George Read II House and Gardens. This historic mansion is open for tours and provides a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of the colonial elite. The lush gardens are a serene oasis in the heart of the city.

New Castle Farmers Market: If you're a foodie or just looking for... Read MORE...