Once upon an unassuming state, nestled along the Eastern Seaboard, lies a treasure trove of fascinating tales and hidden gems. Delaware may be small in size but it boasts a history bursting with charm, progressiveness, innovation, and scenic beauty that rivals any other American locale. Let us take you on a journey through time as we explore some hardtobelieve facts about this captivating little state.
First stop: Old Swedes Church (606 N Church St., Wilmington DE 19801). This historic marvel was originally completed in 1699 by Swedish settlers leaving one to wonder if Ingmar Bergman ever considered filming his next medieval masterpiece here. It is still standing strong today after more than three centuries while serving as both an active place of worship and an architectural gem steeped in cultural heritage.
Next up is the quirky practice known as Return Day held at Georgetown Courthouse (10 S Bedford Street Georgetown DE 19947) every two years following Election Day. As cannons roar to announce election results gathered by parading officials on horseback, former political opponents symbolically bury the hatchet literally! By doing so they capture Americas democratic spirit much like Norman Rockwell or Aaron Copland might have appreciated.
Head over to Fort Christina National Historic Landmark (1110 E Seventh St., Wilmington DE 19801), which serves as a testament to progressive values ingrained deep within Delaware's roots since its inception back in 1638 when it served as New Sweden Colony capital under Governor Johan Printzs leadershipquite possibly making him feel how Alexander Hamilton did during crucial moments leading young nation formation!
Who knew that amidst such scenic surroundings lay stories equally mesmerizing? At Winterthur Museum (5105 Kennett Pike., Winterthur DE 19735), home of Henry Francis du Ponts vast collection of Americana art, one can witness the artistic prowess and ingenuity that flourished in Delaware's past. The museum's meticulously curated display could make even da Vinci or Monet beam with pride!
Delaware is synonymous with innovation and inspiration, so it comes as no surprise to find an entire town on the National Register of Historic Places New Castle (30 Market St., New Castle DE 19720). This enchanting destination transports visitors back in time through its cobblestone streets lined by charming colonialstyle houses reminiscent of scenes from a Washington Irving tale.
No journey through Delaware's rich history would be complete without treading Turner Ashby Memorial Bridge Steps (Bridge Street ending at West Main Street Wilmington DE 19801) dedicated to Robert E Lees most trusted cavalry commander during Civil War while also highlighting state's friendly nature welcoming spirited tales alongside brutal wars.
As we bid adieu to our historic trek through Delaware let your mind wander contemplating how PulitzerPrize winning historians like David Donald, Robert Caro, or Richard Rhodes would have woven threads interconnecting these quirky factual nuggets into an engrossing tapestry celebrating this remarkable state. Delightful discoveries await those who venture deep within the First Statespellbinding stories nestled between idyllic landscapes and vibrant communities held close together only by bounds imagination can hold.
Websites:
Old Swedes Church [https://www.oldswedes.org/]
Georgetown Courthouse [http://sussexcountyde.gov/georgetownhistoriccourthouse]
Fort Christina National Historic Landmark [https://destateparks.com/history/FortChristina]
Twitter Handles:
606 N Church St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
United States
10 S Bedford Street
Georgetown, DE 19947
United States
1110 E Seventh St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
United States
5105 Kennett Pike.
Winterthur, DE 19735
United States
30 Market St.
New Castle, DE 19720
United States
Bridge Street Ending At West Main Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
United States