Delaware's Historic Sites
Delaware is home to a rich array of historic sites that reflect its significant role in American history. Among these, the Broom House in Montchanin is notable for being the residence of Jacob Broom, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, who contributed to early American politics during his time in the Delaware legislature. Similarly, the John Dickinson Mansion in Dover honors another key figure, John Dickinson, who played a vital role in colonial politics and authored influential writings during the pre-Revolutionary period.
In Wilmington, Fort Christina marks the location of the first Swedish military outpost established in 1638, representing the early European settlement efforts in North America. This site is vital to understanding the region's cultural heritage and military history. Additionally, Stonum, located in New Castle, served as the country home of George Read, another signer of the Constitution, and symbolizes Delaware's pivotal moment as the first state to ratify this foundational document. These historic sites collectively offer a glimpse into Delaware's colonial past and its contributions to the formation of the United States, making them valuable for anyone interested in American history and heritage.
On this Page
Delaware's Historic Sites
Broom House
Location: Montchanin, New Castle County
Relevant issues: Colonial America, political history
Statement of significance:Jacob Broom (1752-1810), a signer of the U.S. Constitution, served in the Delaware legislature and attended the Annapolis Convention (1786). He lived in this house from 1795 to 1802.
Dickinson House
Location: Dover, Kent County
Relevant issues: Colonial America, political history
Statement of significance:John Dickinson (1732-1808) served in the Delaware and Pennsylvania legislatures. He was a member of the Stamp Act Congress, the First and Second Continental Congresses, and the Constitutional Convention. His political writings, such as Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania (1767-1768), were influential.
Fort Christina
Location: Wilmington, New Castle County
Relevant issues: European settlement, military history
Statement of significance: This was the site of the first Swedish military outpost (1638) in the Delaware Valley, which became the nucleus of the first Swedish settlement in North America and its trading and commercial center. It fell into disrepair after the English conquest in 1664, and the last vestiges of the fort disappeared.
Stonum
Location: New Castle, New Castle County
Relevant issues: Colonial America, political history
Statement of significance: This was the country home of George Read (1733-1798), signer of the U.S. Constitution, whose support led Delaware to become the first state to ratify the document.
"Fort Christiana & The Rocks." National Park Service, 14 Nov. 2023, www.nps.gov/places/fort-christina.htm. Accessed 28 May 2024.
Parrish, Amanda. "Slave Burial Ground Discovery at Dickinson Plantation Comes with 'Heavy Responsibility'." Delaware Online, 1 Apr. 2021, www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2021/04/01/burial-ground-discovery-dickinson-plantation-comes-heavy-responsibility/7044623002/. Accessed 28 May 2024.
"Sixteen Historical Landmarks You Must Visit in Delaware." Only in Your State, 10 Aug. 2022, www.onlyinyourstate.com/delaware/16-delaware-historic-landmarks/. Accessed 28 May 2024.
Swisher, Joe A. The Complete Guide to Delaware Historical Markers. Image Publishing Company Limited, 2002.