National Historical Park · DE, PA

First State National Historical Park

Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.

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Photos

Red, yellow, and green leaves lay on the grass in front of a colonial building.
Each fall, an 18th Century Market Fair is recreated to commemorate the original purpose of The Green.
A view of the front of the John Dickinson House on the Plantation.
John Dickinson is most famously known as the "Penman of the Revolution" at this site, visitors learn the stories of the many residents: tenant farmers, indentured servants, free and enslaved Black men, women, and children and the Dickinson family.
A brick bath leads to a door of an old church surrounded by vegetation.
Old Swedes Historic Site contains burials that can be traced back to the original settlement of the Swedes.
Pews line the side of the room leading to the English style court room.
The New Castle Court House Museum was the first court of Delaware and has seen a variety of significant moments in history.
Rolling agricultural hills on a bright sunny day.
The Brandywine Valley unit is most known for its recreational opportunities.
A replica of the original Kalmar Nyckel ship sails by the monument at Fort Christina.
This site commernmates the Swedes original landing and the fort that once stood in the area.

Activities

  • Biking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Hands-On
  • Citizen Science
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Living History
  • Junior Ranger Program