Linda Finnan

Wilmington, DE Area Guide

Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware and is located near the point where the Christina River flows into the Delaware River. The city holds the county seat of New Castle County and is one of the major cities included in the Delaware Valley Metropolitan Area. The city was named by Proprietor Thomas Penn after his close friend, Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, who was a Prime Minister in Great Britain during the reign of King George II.

Wilmington History

Wilmington was first colonized by Swedish setters who established Fort Christiana in March of 1938. The Swedish settlers controlled most of the lower Delaware River region and the fort served as the headquarters for the colony of New Sweden. The greatest growth period for this area occurred during the Civil War when the city became divided in support of both the Union and the Confederacy; although Delaware was technically a Union state many of the residents in the northern part of the state supported the Union and many of the southern residents supported the Confederates.

During both of the World Wars, Wilmington flourished as it manufactured products that were vital to the war effort such as shipyards, steel foundries, machinery and chemicals. Other local industries included automobiles, leather goods and clothing.

Wilmington Parks and Recreation

Wilmington is home to many excellent parks and recreational opportunities that all residents and visitors are welcome to enjoy. Come visit the local zoo, one of the many museums or parks for a memorable time in Wilmington with your family and friends!

Wilmington Blue Rocks – Wilmington’s Baseball Team
http://wilmington.bluerocks.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t426
The Blue Rocks were organized in 1993 when the Peninsula Pilots were bought and moved to the riverfront in Wilmington. The Blue Rocks play in the Carolina League which is an advanced Single-A minor league. The name for the team originates from the blue granite that can be found along the Brandywine River here.

Brandywine Zoo
http://www.brandywinezoo.org/
Located in Brandywine Park in Wilmington, the Brandywine Zoo covers 13 acres of beautiful landscaped land above the Brandywine River. The zoo features 150 animals and is open year-round.

Rockwood Center – Park – Museum
http://www.rockwood.org/home/webpage1.asp
The Rockwood Museum features rooms that were restored to their original glory and represents how the Bringhurst family lived during their early years here. Originally built in 1895 during the Gilded Age of the Victorian Era, the home allows a glimpse into the lives of the Bringhursts and is a part of the Northern Delaware Greenway.

Delaware Theatre Company
http://www.delawaretheatre.org/
Founded in 1979 and celebrating its 29th season, the Delaware Theatre Company is a beautiful 389-seat facility on the Christina Riverfront. Programs include the classics and a variety of contemporary plays and musicals. Under Producing Director Anne Marie Cammarato the Delaware Theatre Company strives to produce a world premiere each season. DTC’s artistic programming has received 8 Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.

Rock Manor Golf Course
1319 Carruthers Ln
Wilmington, DE 19803
302.295.1400

Fox Pointe State Park
http://www.destateparks.com/park/fox-point/
Fox Point State Park is an extraordinary experience that can be enjoyed by everyone and anyone. Don’t miss this unique member of the Delaware State Park system!

Riverfront Wilmington
http://www.riverfrontwilm.com/
This special event facility has more than 87,000 square feet of space available for corporate meetings, conferences, shows, conventions, weddings, and social events. For more information on events at the Riverfront please visit
http://www.riverfrontwilm.com/index.php?page=destinations

Wilmington & Western Railroad
http://www.wwrr.com/
Have a set on our vintage train and re-live a forgotten era as history comes alive!

Delaware Park – Horse Racing & Slots
http://www.delawarepark.com/
Delaware Park is a facility that offers a variety of entertainment options such as thoroughbred racing (April-November), over 3,000 slot machines, and White Clay Creek Country club which features a world renowned 18-hole championship golf course. Admission and general parking are always free (valet available) and the slot machines are open 24-hours a day.

Hagley Museum and Library
http://www.hagley.org/
The Hagley Museum and Library is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of American business. The Museum is located on 235 acres of land along the Brandywine River bank and is the site of the gunpowder works founded in 1802 by E.I. du Pont. The examples of early industry here include restored mills, a worker’s community, and the home and gardens of the du Pont family.

For more information about State Parks in Delaware please visit http://www.destateparks.com/