When First State National Historical Park was established, it became the first National Park to be comprised of several locations. Today, there are seven distinct landmarks celebrated by this Delaware heritage park, and you can see them all from the comfort of the outdoors!
The New Castle Court House is one of the most historic courthouses in the country, and it often has rotating displays depicting a moment in Delaware history.
It was built in 1730 and served a the center of the 12-mile circle around which Delaware's borders were set.
The Woodlawn Tract at Beaver Valley contains some of the most beautiful open space in Delaware.
This open space and the beautiful history of the land are preserved thanks to William Bancroft, who helped pioneer the concept of keeping green spaces accessible for people who lived in cities and crowded towns.
In Dover, you'll find that the entire Green has been added to First State National Historical Park.
This revolutionary square showcases the Capital and many historic buildings that you can walk by or tour.
The John Dickinson Plantation in Dover was the boyhood home and residence of John Dickinson, an American revolutionary leader and one of the Founding Fathers of this country..
Dickinson was a Continental Congressman, a delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, and the President of both Delaware and Pennsylvania at separate times. He wrote "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" to argue for American independence.
The Ryves Holt House, in Lewes, is the southernmost monument in First State National Historical Park.
The house is the oldest standing residence in Delaware! It was built in 1665 and has witnessed the tremendous history of Lewes. The Lewes Historical Society hosts walking tours that begin here.
Fort Christina was the first European settlement in Delaware, and a monument stands here to recognize that.
The Fort was built in 1638 and became the primary settlement for the New Sweden colony.
Another historic Swedish site, Old Swedes Church, is the oldest continually used house of worship in the country.
Their graveyard has tombstones that date back to the earliest days of the United States of America, and walking into the church feels like walking back in time.
Learn more about each of these individual sites that make up the First State National Historical Park by visiting the National Park Service website, here.
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