Everyone knows that Delaware was the first state, but did you know that for five days, Delaware was the only state? There are so many fascinating tidbits of early American history to discover, and luckily, many of the earliest homes and buildings are still preserved in historic New Castle, Delaware. Visit today for a trip back in time.
At the heart of the city, you’ll find the New Castle Court House Museum.
Flickr / Ryan Keene Please note: this museum is temporarily closed.Right here is the center of William Penn’s 12-mile circle, defining the border between Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. It’s one of the oldest courthouses in the United States and has a storied past that you’ll discover when you visit.
Nearby, the Amstel House was the first preserved home in the area.
Flickr / Christorb The home once belonged to the influential Dr. Finney. In the 1920s and 1930s, old buildings were being torn down and replaced with newer construction, and concerned citizens raised funds to buy the Amstel House. It was the first formally preserved building in town, and the group went on to form the New Castle Historical Society.
The Old Library Museum is owned by the New Castle Historical Society and is so worth a visit.
Google Local / Jim Heston The hexagonal library was built in 1892 and is a stunning architectural marvel. The library houses rotating collections showcasing Delaware history throughout the years.
The Dutch House is a fine example of early American architecture.
Google Local / Joseph Taipei This 17th-century early settlers’ house shows off what life was like in New Castle during the beginning of Dutch settlement. At the time, New Castle was a port town. Today, the home is operated by the New Castle Historical Society and preserved as a museum.
George Read’s home and formal garden was once the most elegant estate in town.
Flickr / christorb The home was built in 1793 for George Read, Jr., and at the time, it was the largest residence around. In the 1840s, formal gardens were laid out by William Couper. Today, the Delaware Historical Society owns and operates the Read house as a museum.
Of course, no trip to New Castle is complete without a visit to Jessop’s Tavern!
Flickr / Ron Cogswell This colonial-themed restaurant occupies a 300-year-old building, and walking in feels like stepping back in time.
You’ll find the tastiest colonial fare here, and it’s the perfect way to wrap up a fun day in town.
Google Local / Jessop’s Tavern Try the shepherd’s pie or bread pudding. These old fashioned feasts are sure to hit the spot.
You can find operating hours and information on events in Historic New Castle, Delaware by visiting the New Castle Historical Society website.
Flickr / Ryan Keene
Please note: this museum is temporarily closed.Right here is the center of William Penn’s 12-mile circle, defining the border between Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. It’s one of the oldest courthouses in the United States and has a storied past that you’ll discover when you visit.
Flickr / Christorb
The home once belonged to the influential Dr. Finney. In the 1920s and 1930s, old buildings were being torn down and replaced with newer construction, and concerned citizens raised funds to buy the Amstel House. It was the first formally preserved building in town, and the group went on to form the New Castle Historical Society.
Google Local / Jim Heston
The hexagonal library was built in 1892 and is a stunning architectural marvel. The library houses rotating collections showcasing Delaware history throughout the years.
Google Local / Joseph Taipei
This 17th-century early settlers’ house shows off what life was like in New Castle during the beginning of Dutch settlement. At the time, New Castle was a port town. Today, the home is operated by the New Castle Historical Society and preserved as a museum.
Flickr / christorb
The home was built in 1793 for George Read, Jr., and at the time, it was the largest residence around. In the 1840s, formal gardens were laid out by William Couper. Today, the Delaware Historical Society owns and operates the Read house as a museum.
Flickr / Ron Cogswell
This colonial-themed restaurant occupies a 300-year-old building, and walking in feels like stepping back in time.
Google Local / Jessop’s Tavern
Try the shepherd’s pie or bread pudding. These old fashioned feasts are sure to hit the spot.
For more fun Delaware history, read 9 Insane Things That Happened In Delaware You Won’t Find in History Books
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