Delaware, a Mid-Atlantic state, is renowned for its historical landmarks, chemical manufacturing mills and beautiful state parks. Moreover, Delaware was the first state in the US to ratify the declaration of independence.
One of the smallest states in the US, Delaware is full of relaxing recreational areas like state parks, boutiques, restaurants and historic monuments. Currently, there are 14 designated National Historic Landmarks in this state. Most of them are old Georgian-styled houses and incredible forts.
Furthermore, Delaware was the first state where the Swedish settlers built their community. The most epic historical sites in Delaware are listed below.
1. Hagley Museum
The Hagley Museum is one of the best attractions in the state of Delaware, featuring the iconic du Pont Family house and their powder yards.
Moreover, this stunning 235-acre historic site has a Renaissance-styled garden and statuary. Hagley Museum was opened in 1957 and is famous for its historic gunpowder mills.
2. Fort Miles Historical Area
Fort Miles Historical Area was an Army installation area during the Second World War. Built in 1940 using reinforced concrete, Fort Miles operated an underwater minefield as well.
Currently, Fort Miles Historical Area is operated by Cape Henlopen State Park and is open to all. Located in Lewes, Fort Miles Historical Area is one of Delaware’s best tourist attractions and was added to the NRHP in 2004.
3. Fort Delaware
Located in Delaware City, Fort Delaware is one of the best historic sites in Delaware. Fort Delaware was initially a harbor defense facility, that was later used as a prison during the American Civil War. A three-gun concrete battery of 12-inch coastal defense guns was built inside this fort during the late 19th-century.
Moreover, in the early 1900s, Fort Delaware became part of a 3-fort plan. Fort Delaware was controlled by the Union Army and is currently owned by the US Government.
These are the most iconic landmarks in Delaware.
4. John Dickinson Plantation
Renowned across Delaware as the Poplar Hall, John Dickinson Plantation is a plantation that is located in the city of Dover.
Built in 1739, this is the iconic house where John Dickinson wrote a series of essays regarding the economic difficulties of colonial America. This famous series of essays was called “Letters From a Farmer in Pennsylvania” from 1767 to 1768.
5. Jacob Broom House
Jacob Broom House is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Delaware and is situated in Montchanin. Historically known as Hagley, this stunning house was built in 1795 and highlights du Pont family’s industrial history.
Additionally, this 2-acre house was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1974.
6. Corbit–Sharp House
Located in Odessa, Corbit–Sharp House is one of the finest Georgian-styled houses in Delaware. Built in 1772, this 25-acre house is one of the oldest historical sites in the state.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1967, Corbit–Sharp House was also added to the NRHP in the same year.
Don’t miss any of these best places to visit in Delaware.
7. Fort Christina
Fort Christina was New Sweden colony’s first ever settlement in America. The New Sweden colony was a Swedish colony located along the Delaware River.
So, alongside being one of the best historical sites in Delaware, it is also a beautiful location to spend a relaxing afternoon. Located in Wilmington, Fort Christina was declared as a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
8. United States lightship Overfalls
The United States lightship Overfalls is the last light-vessel built for the Bureau of Lighthouses. Built in 1938, this unique lightship is also named LV-118.
This lightship can comprise a crew of 14 members and has a speed of up to 17 km/h. Currently, this lightship is situated in Lewes, Delaware, and was declared as a National Historic Landmark in 2011.
9. Aspendale
Aspendale is a historic house located in Kenton and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Delaware. Designated as a historic site in 1970, this 210-acre house was added to the NRHP in the same year.
This beautiful house was built in the 1770s and later in the 19th century, a Victorian porch was built in it. Moreover, Aspendale is one of the oldest historical sites in Delaware.
10. Holy Trinity Church
Famously known as Old Swedes, this is an iconic church built by the New Sweden colony in 1698. Established as a National Historic Landmark in 1961, Holy Trinity Church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state of Delaware.
Furthermore, Holy Trinity Church is one of the last remaining buildings from the historic Swedish colony in Delaware.
11. Lombardy Hall
A historic 1.5-acre house located in Fairfax, Delaware, the Lombardy Hall is one of the most epic historic sites in Delaware. Built in 1750, Lombardy Hall is a beautiful Georgian-styled house.
Lombardy Hall is primarily famous for being the home of Gunning Bedford Jr. and designated as a NRHP in 1972, due to its historic significance.
12. New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle Court House Museum was a courthouse in 1730, one of the oldest in the United States. This incredible courthouse played a significant role in various historic events and was used by the colonial assembly.
Constructed in Georgian style, this courthouse is located in New Castle and is a designated National Historic Landmark.
13. Read House and Garden
Located in New Castle, the Read House and Garden is a historic house that has been turned into a museum due to its historic significance. Built in 1793, this 2.5-acre house was the largest house in Delaware at that time.
Moreover, Read House and Garden was also the most sophisticated house in the state during that time, comprising Palladian windows and a Federal-styled house design.
14. Eleutherian Mills
Eleutherian Mills is a historic gunpowder mill which was opened in 1803. Located in Wilmington, Eleutherian Mills was famous for producing explosives for over 100 years.
This historic gunpowder mill was established and owned by the famous du Pont family. Covering an area of 191 acres, Eleutherian Mills is one of the largest historic landmarks in Delaware.
15. Stonum
Stonum, also known as Stoneham, is a Georgian-styled house located in New Castle. Built in 1750, this 1-acre house had an amazing view of the Delaware River at that time.
Stonum is mainly famous for being the home of one of the signers of the historic Declaration of Independence, George Read. Moreover, due to George Read, Delaware became the first American state to ratify the declaration.
Delaware is home to 18th-century historic colonial houses, World War 2 forts and historic chemical mills. These historical sites represent the heritage of Delaware and highlight the significant role it played during colonial America.
People visiting these sites can experience a relaxing environment and learn about the finest Georgian-styled houses and the colonial history of Delaware.