These 10 Hidden Gems In Delaware Hold Historic Keys To The Past
Delaware was one of the first places settled by Europeans in the 1600s, and it was the official “First State” of the United States of America. Because of this, Delaware history is full of incredible stories and places that hold keys to the past. There are a lot of landmarks in Delaware that are well known to those from the area, such as the Lightship Overfalls, the Harriet Tubman/Underground Railroad Houses, Fort DuPont and Fort Delaware, but there are also a lot of hidden gems that are off of the beaten path. Visit any of these historic places in Delaware and find yourself stepping back in time to experience history like you’ve never seen it before.
1. The Jacob Broom House / Eleutherian Mills / Hagley Estate
This site really has it all when it comes to Delaware history. One of the ratifiers of the United States Constitution, Jacob Broom, originally lived here. After a fire destroyed much of the property, he sold it to Eleuthère Irénée du Pont. It was the very first du Pont home in America. The family established a mill to make gunpowder, and the rest is history. You can visit the Hagley Museum today to experience early Delaware history. Read more about it right here.
The entire Historic District of Odessa is worth exploring. You can see a vintage town jail and tour the Historic Houses of Odessa. These landmarks include the 1769 Wilson-Warner House, 1774 Corbit-Sharp House 1700 Collins-Sharp House, 1822 Brick Hotel, and 1853 Odessa Bank. Tours are given from March through December. Learn more about Odessa right here.
The Aspendale House and Plantation, located outside of Kenton, is one of the oldest buildings in Delaware. It's stood, intact, since the late 18th century, and has been continuously owned by the same family, which is rare and extremely impressive.
If you grew up around Dover, chances are you went on a field trip to Poplar Hall. If you didn't get to explore the grounds then, you should go now and check out the entire estate. Founding Father and American Revolutionary leader John Dickinson grew up on the plantation, and continued to live here for periods as an adult.
His original home was raided by the British and partially destroyed in 1781; and it nearly burned to the ground in 1804. But it has since been restored, and now offers a glimpse into what Delaware life was like during the 18th century.
Fort Christina was built in 1638 and established the first Swedish settlement in North America. It changed hands forcibly to the Dutch and English as the newly established colonies fought for land. There is a beautiful monument at the site now just outside of Wilmington.
Lombardy Hall is one of the oldest buildings in all of Delaware, built in 1682. Visiting is an incredible way to step back into the past and imagine what life was like at the start of the U.S.
George Read is the reason that Delaware was the First State to ratify the Declaration of Independence. The house is located in New Castle, Delaware, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
New Castle's historic district is an incredible journey to the past. Be sure to check out the First State National Monument and the New Castle County Courthouse, the latter of which is one of the oldest courthouses in the country. The historic debate about the 12 Mile Circle around New Castle was fought within the walls of the Courthouse, which is now a museum. New Castle's history is on display everywhere you go - read about it here.
Howard High School was one of the five schools brought to the Supreme Court for the historic Brown v Board of Education desegregation case. In 1953, the desegregation case of Gebhart v. Belton was fought when parents of students bussed to Howard sued to allow their children to go to the all-white Claymont High School. In Brown v Board, the Howard case was the only one that had resulted in an order of desegregation at the state level. It is still a school to this day, but it was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 2005.
Holy Trinity Church, better known as Old Swedes, is the nation's oldest church building still used for worship as originally built. It was established in 1698 as a church for Swedish settlers around Fort Christina, and the graveyard on the grounds is the final resting place of several important Delawareans, including a member of the famous Du Ponts, and several Bayards. Learn a little more about the history of Fort Christina and Old Swedes right here.
Wow – what a history our small state has! Will you plan a trip to any of these historic places in Delaware anytime soon? Share your favorite historical spots in the state in the comments below!
And for some a fun historical adventure in The First State, be sure to check out this fun day trip to New Castle!
Address: Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
Address: Odessa, DE, USA
Address: Kenton, DE, USA
Address: Old Swedes Historic Site, 606 N Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
Address: 340 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE 19901, USA
Address: 401 E 12th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
Address: 42 The Strand, New Castle, DE 19720, USA
Address: New Castle, DE 19720, USA
Address: 1611 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
Address: 1110 E 7th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
historic places in Delaware
January 21, 2021
Kim Magaraci
What is the most scenic town in Delaware?
Some of Delaware’s charming, historic towns are packed with stunning scenery. New Castle is one that comes to mind, thanks to the beautiful Colonial-era brick buildings and the panoramic river views of Battery Park. The Green at the center of town is one of the best places for a picnic in the whole state. Other naturally beautiful towns in Delaware include Laurel, Bethany Beach, and Lewes. Each cute little town features history and nature in a perfectly blended environment.
Where is the creepiest town in Delaware?
Delaware City is the most haunted town in Delaware. Not only is it home to Fort Delaware – one of the most haunted places in the world – but it’s also where you can dine with spirits at Crabby Dicks in the old, historic Delaware City Hotel. The old Central Hotel, or Stirling Building, is rumored to be so haunted that the town has actually offered paranormal tours in the past.
What are the most unique towns in Delaware?
Delaware is full of quirky towns and neighborhoods! One of the best little communities in the First State is Arden, where you’ll find an artsy population that connects with each other through “gilds” for theatre, dining, music, and more. The Bayshore Beaches are also unique towns, and an afternoon spent at Bowers Beach is sure to make you feel a million miles away from it all. When you visit Slaughter Beach, you’ll come face to face with horseshoe crabs and shorebirds! If you prefer a truly rural farm town, head to dine at the Store in Gumboro and you’ll have a blast.
Address: Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
Address: Odessa, DE, USA
Address: Kenton, DE, USA
Address: Old Swedes Historic Site, 606 N Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
Address: 340 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE 19901, USA
Address: 401 E 12th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
Address: 42 The Strand, New Castle, DE 19720, USA
Address: New Castle, DE 19720, USA
Address: 1611 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
Address: 1110 E 7th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
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Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
