Delaware, the second smallest of the American states, lies on America’s Atlantic coast bordering New Jersey, Washington DC and Pennsylvania.

The state’s complicated and involved ‘modern’ history dates back to the arrival of the Europeans in the 16th century to begin exploration of its coastline. Before their arrival it had been home to a number of Native American tribes but in 1631 the first white settlement was founded.

The name Delaware was evidently coined by Samuel Argall, an English captain, whose ship was blown off course and into a bay, which he named in honour of Baron De La Warr, the Governor of Virginia between 1610-18. At that time Delaware was considered to be part of Virginia. However, it was the Dutch who were the first Europeans to actually occupy the territory, followed by the Swedes – the conflict between the two carrying on for several years. In 1664 the English successfully claimed the territory as theirs and in 1682 the Duke of York gave William Penn a large piece of his American holding – the land that today covers Pennsylvania and Delaware. Many of the state’s surviving colonial houses bear witness to those early settlers.

In 1776 Delaware separated itself from Pennsylvania, and in 1787 became the first of the 13 original states to ratify the Constitution of the United States, thus becoming The First State.

Delaware is considered to be one of the world’s tax havens with its very favourable rates of taxation both for companies and individuals.


New Castle's Old Court House in 1936

Visit

Delaware’s original capital was New Castle. It retains much of its colonial charm with quiet cobbled streets and elegant brick houses - at its heart the leafy town green overlooked by the Old Court House (the first state capitol). Some of the old houses are open to the public – in particular look out for the George Read II House and the Dutch House. Today the state capital is in Kent County at Dover, named by Penn for Dover in the English county of Kent. The capital was moved from New Castle to Dover because there was less risk of attack from British raiders. It is a small city, but one that is expanding rapidly. However, it does have an historic heart fanning out from the town green. Apart from some quaint museums it is also a good shopping centre.


Delaware State Capitol in Dover

Wilmington, about six miles from New Castle, is noted for its good art galleries, mansions and museums. Much of Delaware’s wealth came from the enterprises of the du Pont family – a French family who fled to the New World from revolutionary France and set up a gunpowder company that became America’s largest producer of explosives. A number of them built their mansions in Brandywine Valley just outside Wilmington, some are open to the public and from their landscaped estates to their opulently furnished rooms are well worth a visit.


Wilmington's skyline

An added attraction for visitors to Delaware is the state’s virtually unspoilt 30-mile coastline with its superb, quiet sandy beaches. The main resort is Rehoboth Beach noted for its wooden boardwalk, lively shops, nightlife, motels and restaurants. Lewes is an historic fishing port that has grown up since 1631 when a Dutch whaling company founded a small colony. Don’t miss the town’s Historic Complex with its collection of old buildings.


Rehoboth Beach

Getting there

Whilst Delaware is served by a number of regional airports it has no international airport of its own.