10 Historic Places in Delaware That Bring the Past to Life

Delaware was one of the earliest areas settled by Europeans in the 1600s, and earned its nickname as the First State by being the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Because of this, Delaware's history is full of incredible stories and places that hold keys to the past. There are many landmarks in Delaware well known to locals, such as the Lightship Overfalls, the Harriet Tubman/Underground Railroad Houses, Fort DuPont, and Fort Delaware. But there are also many hidden gems off the beaten path. Visit any of these historic places in Delaware and step back in time to experience history as you've never seen it before.

1. The Jacob Broom House, Eleutherian Mills, and 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.

2. The Town of Odessa: A Perfectly Preserved 18th-Century Village

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.

3. Aspendale: A Hidden Historic Gem in Delaware

The Aspendale House and Plantation, located outside of Kenton, is one of the oldest buildings in Delaware. Aspendale offers a rare look at late-18th-century plantation life in Delaware and stands out for its remarkable continuity of ownership across generations.

4. The John Dickinson House: Home of the Penman of the Revolution

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 of life in Delaware in the 18th century.

5. Fort Christina: Where Delaware’s First European Settlement Began

Fort Christina was built in 1638 and established the first Swedish settlement in North America. It was forcibly transferred to the Dutch and English as the newly established colonies fought for land. There is a beautiful monument at the site, just outside Wilmington.

6. Lombardy Hall: Colonial Elegance in 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. That's because Lombardy Hall predates the United States itself and offers a window into daily life during Delaware’s earliest colonial period.

7. Stonum: The George Read House and Its Revolutionary Legacy

Although now permanently closed, Stonum was once home to George Read, a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, and a key figure in Delaware’s early statehood. The house is located in New Castle, Delaware, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

8. New Castle: Cobblestone Streets and Colonial History

New Castle's historic district is an incredible journey back in time. Be sure to check out the First State National Monument and the New Castle County Courthouse, 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.

9. Howard High School: A Landmark of Delaware’s Civil Rights History

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 bused 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 to result in a state-level desegregation order. It is still a school today, but it was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 2005.

10. Old Swedes Church: One of America’s Oldest Churches

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.

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 using this nomination form!

And for some, a fun historical adventure in The First State, be sure to check out this fun day trip to New Castle!

Are you feeling inspired and ready to explore these historic places for yourself? The Only In Your State itinerary planner makes it easy to map out a personalized trip through Delaware’s most fascinating landmarks.