Delaware was the foundation for much of our nation, and even though our state is small, historic sites are significant in our landscape. Records of the three counties of Delaware, which still remain today, date back to 1683, leaving over 300 years of legacy in historical Delaware landmarks and monuments.

Sure, you can read about them in a book or online. But better yet, you can go visit them in person and get a feel for what it was really like way back when.

  1. The Kalmar Nyckel

TCDavis / Flickr The Kalmar Nyckel to Delaware is like the Mayflower of Massachusetts. While this tall ship is not the original, it is a replica upon which you can climb aboard for a sail back in time to the first settlers to the state. You can even take a pirate sail aboard the Kalmar Nyckel, one of the most famous Delaware historical sites. 920 Pettinaro Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

  1. Old Swedes Church, Wilmington

University of Delaware Library / Flickr It’s a pretty well-known fact in Delaware that Swedish settlers were some of the first Europeans to land here. This historic church and surrounding graveyard are some of the last remaining landmarks of the 1600s when the Swedes purchased land from Native American tribes. And Old Swedes Church happens to be the oldest church in the state and one of the most historic Delaware landmarks. 606 N Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

  1. Hagley Museum, Wilmington

Doramon / Flickr While most people think of DuPont for chemicals in modern times, the company had its roots in gunpowder in the early 1800s. Visit the site of some of the first gunpowder mills built by E.I. DuPont. The Hagley Museum is one of the best-known Delaware historical sites. Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA

  1. Nemours Mansion and Gardens, Wilmington

Robert Lyle Bolton / Flickr Would you believe that a man built this mansion on a 300-acre estate for his wife? Now that’s a gift! Alfred I. DuPont (yes, the same family from #3) named the mansion after a French town where his family was from, and it oozes French influence. It’s one of the most remarkable historical places in Delaware. Nemours Estate, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA

  1. Fort Miles, Lewes

Lee Cannon / Flickr Fort Miles is one of the more recent historic landmarks in Delaware to hit the state’s timeline. This fort, located within what is now Cape Henlopen State Park, was an American military post, constructed to keep watch for enemy ships along the Delaware coast. It was completed just days before the Pearl Harbor attack. Fort Miles Historic Area, 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

  1. First State Heritage Park, Dover

First State Heritage Park / Facebook William Penn established the lower counties of Delaware and made Dover the Kent County seat in late 1683. While movements to relocate the state capital, once New Castle, began in the 1770s, it wasn’t until 1781 that it was officially transferred to Dover. Many historic buildings are scattered throughout the town but the First State Heritage Park is a good place to start. First State Heritage Park, 43 The Green, Dover, DE 19901, USA

  1. Winterthur Museum and Gardens, Wilmington

Peter Bond / Flickr Yet another DuPont estate (this one built by Henry Francis DuPont), this country estate dates to the 1880s and features American arts from 1640 and 1860. It’s one of the most enchanting historical sites in Delaware. Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, USA

  1. Fort Delaware, Delaware City

Simon / Flickr Fort Delaware is one of the most iconic of Delaware’s famous landmarks. Located in the Delaware River on Pea Patch Island, the fortress was originally built after the War of 1812 to guard traffic on the waterway. It then was used as a Prisoner of War camp, and finally is now one of Delaware’s State Parks. Visit and learn from reenactors about the misery on the island. Fort Delaware State Park, 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA

  1. Lightship Overfalls, Lewes

Mike Mahaffie / Flickr Climb aboard the last ever constructed ligh vessel in the U.S. What’s a lightship? It’s like a floating lighthouse, used when the land in need of a lighthouse isn’t suitable for one. This beauty is one of 17 remaining and it’s one of the most famous historical sites in Delaware. Lightship Overfalls LV-118, 219 Pilottown Rd, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

  1. Historic Odessa

Lee Cannon / Flickr Tour homes from the 18th century in Odessa, which was a mainstay in Delaware’s shipping heritage. Odessa was the main port for grain from the lush agricultural fields surrounding the area and is one of the best small towns in Delaware. Odessa, DE, USA

  1. Old Courthouse, Georgetown

Old Courthouse, Georgetown, Delaware / Facebook Built in the 1790s, the old courthouse in Georgetown served as the home of the county legislature for decades, until a newer, larger courthouse was built. Now a historic landmark, it still features the old whipping post. To learn more, visit the Old Courthouse Facebook page. 10 S Bedford St, Georgetown, DE 19947, USA

  1. Historic New Castle

Chrisstorb / Flickr New Castle, Delaware traces its roots back to the 1650s and the town has preserved many of the historic sites that served an important role in the state. Be sure to check out the courthouse, the landing place of William Penn, the Amstel House and more. New Castle, DE 19720, USA

  1. Governor Ross Mansion, Seaford

Lee Cannon / Flickr Built in 1859, the Governor Ross Mansion and Plantations were home to the Governor of Delaware from 1814-1887. William H. Ross built this Italian style mansion along the railroad he planned to build. But its history makes it ones of the darkest historical places in Delaware. Governor Ross Mansion, 23669 Ross Station Rd, Seaford, DE 19973, USA

  1. Mason Dixon Marker, Delmar

Jimmy Emerson DVM / Flickr The town of Delmar, Delaware sits on the Delaware-Maryland border, hence its name. Visit the marker that is the Number One marker of the Mason-Dixon line, located at the southwestern point of the line. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Delaware. White Clay Creek State Park, Park Office, 750 Thompson Station Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA

  1. John Dickinson Plantation, Dover

John Dickinson Plantation / Facebook John Dickinson was a founding father of the United States who spent his time between Philadelphia and his childhood home on the St. Jones River. The museum and plantation are open to the public and feature tours, reenactments, and period events. The John Dickenson Plantation is one of the most historical places in Delaware. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE 19901, USA

  1. Barratt’s Chapel, Frederica

Jimmy Emerson DVM / Flickr Barratt’s Chapel is a little country chapel located in Kent County is considered to be the ‘cradle of Methodism’ in the U.S. It is the oldest standing church in the U.S. dedicated to and in service of the Methodist faith. A walk around the gravestones show dates from the church’s inception in the 1700s. Barratts Chapel Road, Barratts Chapel Rd, Delaware, USA

So for the history buffs out there, we know that you have other Delaware landmarks full of history that you like to visit. What are your favorites? Let us know in the comment

TCDavis / Flickr

The Kalmar Nyckel to Delaware is like the Mayflower of Massachusetts. While this tall ship is not the original, it is a replica upon which you can climb aboard for a sail back in time to the first settlers to the state. You can even take a pirate sail aboard the Kalmar Nyckel, one of the most famous Delaware historical sites.

920 Pettinaro Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

University of Delaware Library / Flickr

It’s a pretty well-known fact in Delaware that Swedish settlers were some of the first Europeans to land here. This historic church and surrounding graveyard are some of the last remaining landmarks of the 1600s when the Swedes purchased land from Native American tribes. And Old Swedes Church happens to be the oldest church in the state and one of the most historic Delaware landmarks.

606 N Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

Doramon / Flickr

While most people think of DuPont for chemicals in modern times, the company had its roots in gunpowder in the early 1800s. Visit the site of some of the first gunpowder mills built by E.I. DuPont. The Hagley Museum is one of the best-known Delaware historical sites.

Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA

Robert Lyle Bolton / Flickr

Would you believe that a man built this mansion on a 300-acre estate for his wife? Now that’s a gift! Alfred I. DuPont (yes, the same family from #3) named the mansion after a French town where his family was from, and it oozes French influence. It’s one of the most remarkable historical places in Delaware.

Nemours Estate, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA

Lee Cannon / Flickr

Fort Miles is one of the more recent historic landmarks in Delaware to hit the state’s timeline. This fort, located within what is now Cape Henlopen State Park, was an American military post, constructed to keep watch for enemy ships along the Delaware coast. It was completed just days before the Pearl Harbor attack.

Fort Miles Historic Area, 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

First State Heritage Park / Facebook

William Penn established the lower counties of Delaware and made Dover the Kent County seat in late 1683. While movements to relocate the state capital, once New Castle, began in the 1770s, it wasn’t until 1781 that it was officially transferred to Dover. Many historic buildings are scattered throughout the town but the First State Heritage Park is a good place to start.

First State Heritage Park, 43 The Green, Dover, DE 19901, USA

Peter Bond / Flickr

Yet another DuPont estate (this one built by Henry Francis DuPont), this country estate dates to the 1880s and features American arts from 1640 and 1860. It’s one of the most enchanting historical sites in Delaware.

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, USA

Simon / Flickr

Fort Delaware is one of the most iconic of Delaware’s famous landmarks. Located in the Delaware River on Pea Patch Island, the fortress was originally built after the War of 1812 to guard traffic on the waterway. It then was used as a Prisoner of War camp, and finally is now one of Delaware’s State Parks. Visit and learn from reenactors about the misery on the island.

Fort Delaware State Park, 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA

Mike Mahaffie / Flickr

Climb aboard the last ever constructed ligh vessel in the U.S. What’s a lightship? It’s like a floating lighthouse, used when the land in need of a lighthouse isn’t suitable for one. This beauty is one of 17 remaining and it’s one of the most famous historical sites in Delaware.

Lightship Overfalls LV-118, 219 Pilottown Rd, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

Tour homes from the 18th century in Odessa, which was a mainstay in Delaware’s shipping heritage. Odessa was the main port for grain from the lush agricultural fields surrounding the area and is one of the best small towns in Delaware.

Odessa, DE, USA

Old Courthouse, Georgetown, Delaware / Facebook

Built in the 1790s, the old courthouse in Georgetown served as the home of the county legislature for decades, until a newer, larger courthouse was built. Now a historic landmark, it still features the old whipping post. To learn more, visit the Old Courthouse Facebook page.

10 S Bedford St, Georgetown, DE 19947, USA

Chrisstorb / Flickr

New Castle, Delaware traces its roots back to the 1650s and the town has preserved many of the historic sites that served an important role in the state. Be sure to check out the courthouse, the landing place of William Penn, the Amstel House and more.

New Castle, DE 19720, USA

Built in 1859, the Governor Ross Mansion and Plantations were home to the Governor of Delaware from 1814-1887. William H. Ross built this Italian style mansion along the railroad he planned to build. But its history makes it ones of the darkest historical places in Delaware.

Governor Ross Mansion, 23669 Ross Station Rd, Seaford, DE 19973, USA

Jimmy Emerson DVM / Flickr

The town of Delmar, Delaware sits on the Delaware-Maryland border, hence its name. Visit the marker that is the Number One marker of the Mason-Dixon line, located at the southwestern point of the line. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Delaware.

White Clay Creek State Park, Park Office, 750 Thompson Station Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA

John Dickinson Plantation / Facebook

John Dickinson was a founding father of the United States who spent his time between Philadelphia and his childhood home on the St. Jones River. The museum and plantation are open to the public and feature tours, reenactments, and period events. The John Dickenson Plantation is one of the most historical places in Delaware.

John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE 19901, USA

Barratt’s Chapel is a little country chapel located in Kent County is considered to be the ‘cradle of Methodism’ in the U.S. It is the oldest standing church in the U.S. dedicated to and in service of the Methodist faith. A walk around the gravestones show dates from the church’s inception in the 1700s.

Barratts Chapel Road, Barratts Chapel Rd, Delaware, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Delaware Landmarks August 09, 2022 Melissa M. What is the oldest landmark in Delaware? The oldest building and the oldest landmark in Delaware happens to be the Ryves Holt House, Built in 1665, this house sits in the historic seaside town of Lewes. It survived Lord Baltimore’s raid on the town, making it one of the most revered buildings in the state. What is the most popular landmark in Delaware? While there are numerous historical landmarks in Delaware, among the most popular are Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, the Delaware Art Museum, and the Hagley Museum. At each place, you can immerse yourself in history and beauty and each place makes a wonderful day trip destination.  What are some of the most historic landmarks in Delaware? Some of the most historic places in the First State are also on the National Register of Historic Places. There are over 40 historical sites on the registry. Whether it’s Fort Christina Park, Belmont Hall, or the Jacob Broom House, you are visiting a key piece of Delaware’s history     

The OIYS Visitor Center

Delaware Landmarks

August 09, 2022

Melissa M.

What is the oldest landmark in Delaware? The oldest building and the oldest landmark in Delaware happens to be the Ryves Holt House, Built in 1665, this house sits in the historic seaside town of Lewes. It survived Lord Baltimore’s raid on the town, making it one of the most revered buildings in the state. What is the most popular landmark in Delaware? While there are numerous historical landmarks in Delaware, among the most popular are Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, the Delaware Art Museum, and the Hagley Museum. At each place, you can immerse yourself in history and beauty and each place makes a wonderful day trip destination.  What are some of the most historic landmarks in Delaware? Some of the most historic places in the First State are also on the National Register of Historic Places. There are over 40 historical sites on the registry. Whether it’s Fort Christina Park, Belmont Hall, or the Jacob Broom House, you are visiting a key piece of Delaware’s history     

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The oldest building and the oldest landmark in Delaware happens to be the Ryves Holt House, Built in 1665, this house sits in the historic seaside town of Lewes. It survived Lord Baltimore’s raid on the town, making it one of the most revered buildings in the state.

What is the most popular landmark in Delaware?

While there are numerous historical landmarks in Delaware, among the most popular are Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, the Delaware Art Museum, and the Hagley Museum. At each place, you can immerse yourself in history and beauty and each place makes a wonderful day trip destination. 

What are some of the most historic landmarks in Delaware?

Some of the most historic places in the First State are also on the National Register of Historic Places. There are over 40 historical sites on the registry. Whether it’s Fort Christina Park, Belmont Hall, or the Jacob Broom House, you are visiting a key piece of Delaware’s history