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Delaware blends
history with modernity. |
There can only be one first state, and Delaware
is it. When the United States Constitution was submitted for ratification by
the 13 original American colonies on December 12, 1787, Delaware became the
first of those colonies to sign it and enter into the Federal Union. This act
earned it the official title of First State. Although it may be first in terms
of history, it is near the end of the list with regard to size. Only 96 miles
(154.5 km) long and between nine and 35 miles (14.5-56 km) wide, Delaware ranks
49th in the United States in terms of size. Ranking 49th in state-size, however,
doesn't diminish what Delaware has to offer both travelers and residents. While
it appeals as a travel destination with its welcoming atmosphere and wide range
of activities, Delaware is also an important part of the fabric of the United
States. Defined by a history of industry and innovation, Delaware was at one
time nicknamed the Diamond State by Thomas Jefferson, referring to its small
size and great worth to the prosperity of the United States.
The 2000 census estimated that there were 783,600 people living
in Delaware, with a population density of 401 Delawareans per square mile. Delaware
is bordered by Maryland
to the west, Pennsylvania
to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and New
Jersey to the east. Being one of the smallest states, travelers in Delaware
are never more than two hours from Washington,
D.C. , Baltimore,
or Philadelphia.
HISTORY
The earliest forays along the Delaware coastline were by the
Spanish and Portuguese in the sixteenth century. Several decades later, in 1610,
an English explorer by the name of Samuel Argall was caught in a storm that
forced him into an unknown bay. He christened the body of water De La Warr Bay,
after his governor, Sir Thomas West, or Lord De La Warr. Ironically, there is
little to suggest that Lord De La Warr ever saw the state, bay, river, or American
Indians that today bear his name. In 1620, English pilgrims landed at Plymouth,
Massachusetts, and
11 years later, the first white settlement was established in Delaware. Named
Zwaanendael, which means "Valley of Swans" in Dutch, the colony was founded
at the site of what is today the Rehoboth Canal in Lewes.
Later in 1631, a Dutch trading company headed by Captain David
Pietersen de Vries set sail for Delaware with hopes of prospering in the New
World. One can imagine their dismay upon arrival at Zwaanendael to find that
the settlers had all been killed and their buildings razed by the Delaware Indians.
This early era of Delaware's history is commemorated at the Zwaanendael
Museum in Lewes.
After the devastating discovery at Zwaanendael, there were no
further attempts to establish a colony until a group of Swedes arrived at the
site of what today is Wilmington. The Rocks is the nickname given to the original
landing site of the Swedish envoy, an area that has been preserved today with
a monument created by distinguished sculptor Carl Milles. Led by Peter Minuit,
the first Swedish settlement was built at The Rocks on the shores of the Christina
River in 1638. Minuit named the fort and the river after the queen of Sweden,
Kristina Wasa (1626-1689). Their settlement represents the first permanent settlement
in the Delaware River valley, celebrating its 350th anniversary in 1988.
Swedish rule in Delaware, however, was not to last. In 1655,
Peter Stuyvesant of New Amsterdam conquered the Swedish forts and brought them
under the control of the Colony of New Netherlands. While Stuyvesant's arrival
in Delaware marked the end of Swedish dominance in the area, many Delawareans
today retain the cultural and social influences of the Swedes.
During the next 100 years of colonialism, Delaware slowly but
steadily asserted its determination at becoming free from British rule. Delawareans
numbered roughly 4000 during the Revolutionary War, fighting off the British
at every turn. Despite the number of local fighters, the sole battle in Delaware
itself during the Revolution was fought near Newark
at Cooch's Bridge on September 3, 1777. By the time of the Declaration of Independence
in 1776, Delaware not only ejected the British, but also established its own
government separate from that of Pennsylvania. After achieving independence,
the state's economy was revived in part by Delawarean Oliver Evans and his invention
of machinery that would automatically mill flour. The First State continued
its reputation of industriousness with chemical production, counting the famous
DuPont family as one-time residents of the state. This helped to earn Delaware
the position as one of the leading producers of chemicals in the United States
today.
TRANSPORTATION
Whether traveling by land, air or sea, there is a variety of
transportation services in Delaware. There are 11 different airports in the
state to serve fly-in travelers, with the major berths located in Dover and
Wilmington. Train service is also available, offering transport to all the major
centers that surround the Delaware.
The Cape
May-Lewes Ferry is another way to access Delaware. This ferry runs from
New Jersey to Lewes, and is an exhilarating way to see the Atlantic coast. Cars
are permitted on the ferry, however there is also a shuttle service from the
ferry terminals, making it easy to walk on and still get to all the major attractions.
|
Month |
Avg. Daily Temperature |
Average
Rainfall |
|
Min |
Max |
| Jan
|
26°F
(-3 °C) |
43°F
(6 °C) |
74
mm |
| Feb |
29°F
(-2 °C) |
47°F
(8 °C) |
78
mm |
| Mar
|
36°F
(2 °C) |
55°F
(13 °C) |
120
mm |
| Apr |
44°F
(7 °C) |
65°F
(18 °C) |
80
mm |
| May
|
54°F
(12 °C) |
75°F
(24 °C) |
100
mm |
| Jun
|
63°F
(17 °C) |
83°F
(28 °C) |
102
mm |
| Jul |
68°F
(20 °C) |
87°F
(31 °C) |
81
mm |
|
Aug |
67°F
(19 °C) |
86°F
(30 °C) |
115
mm |
|
Sep |
60°F
(16 °C) |
80°F
(27 °C) |
120
mm |
|
Oct |
49°F
(9 °C) |
69°F
(21 °C) |
76 mm |
|
Nov |
40°F
(4 °C) |
59°F
(15 °C) |
80
mm |
|
Dec |
31°F
(-1 °C) |
48°F
(9 °C) |
85
mm |
|
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Climate
data from the
Delaware State Climatologist |
|
CLIMATE
Delaware has a moderate year round climate. Summer can bring
temperatures upwards of 85°F (29 °C), while it is possible to see snow in the
winter. Annual precipitation in Delaware averages 45 inches (114.3 cm), and
the average growing season can last anywhere from 170 to 200 days. May and September
bring relatively the same temperatures, and many beach facilities are open during
the early spring and fall. Visitors can take advantage of lower rates and fewer
crowds during these periods. From December to March, many beach attractions
are closed, or open only on weekends.
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Delawareans pride themselves on their state's traditions and
perpetuate a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes visitors feel "first". There
are a variety of activities in Delaware, all with the added attraction of being
near to each other due the state's small size.
Racing
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NASCAR
racing is a popular American sport. |
For race enthusiasts, check out the Delmar Racetrack at the Dover
International Speedway. Home to the NASCAR Winston Cup and the Busch and
Craftsman Truck Series, there is a 140,000 seat capacity for these weekend-long
events. Tickets are limited and in high demand, so book ahead if you plan to attend
these internationally renowned races.
If non-motorized racing is more your bag, you'll want to see
the oldest continually operating harness racing facility in the United States,
the Harrington
Raceway. Located just south of Dover, the Harrington boasts the distribution
of $110,000 in purses nightly. Every Sunday at Harrington is Family Fun Day,
with face painting and balloons for the kids, and exciting live action for everyone.
Another harness racing facility nearby is the Dover Downs Raceway,
located at the Dover
Downs Resort and Casino. The Dover Downs offers all the amenities of
a leading resort. The entertainment at Dover Downs rivals that of Las
Vegas, with acts such as Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, and Wayne Newton
all having graced the stage in recent years.
 |
| Enjoy
some of Delaware's scenic golf courses. |
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Golfing and Parks
Delaware has a strong tradition of golf at the DuPont Country
Club. The DuPont hosts the annual McDonald's LPGA Championship, which has raised
several million dollars for children's charities since beginning in 1986. Designated
a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International, the three
golf courses at the DuPont consist of 70 percent rough, non-play areas, allowing
for an abundance of wildlife such as foxes, Canada geese, deer and red-tailed
hawks.
The golf course isn't the only place to enjoy the natural splendor
of Delaware. There are many natural areas in Delaware, with 14 State
Parks in all. The state parks in Delaware alternately offer camping,
cabins or yurts (a temporary circular dwelling with flat walls and a conical
roof) for accommodation. Fees for park use are in effect from May through October,
and reservations for any of the above accommodation can be made through any
Delaware State Parks office.
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Visit
Delaware's spectacular beaches. |
Beaches
Beaches
are just one more way to relax in Delaware. With five major beaches dotted along
the coast, visitors can enjoy fresh sea air combined with various attractions
and accommodations. Each beach offers different activities and attractions that
can be enjoyed throughout the warmer seasons.
Shopping
One important thing to note when visiting Delaware is the fact
that it is a state of tax-free shopping.
This allows visitors to enjoy all that Delaware has to offer at a lower cost,
and again shows that in Delaware, visitors come "first".
