Delaware: History and Modernity

	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.

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

	NASCAR racing is a popular American sport.

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.

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.

	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".