History is being made every day, and today’s seemingly mundane destination could be tomorrow’s page in history. For an intriguing look back at the past, visit these historical attractions of yesteryear in and around Wilmington, DE.
1. Winterthur Museum & Gardens
Whether you love architecture, art, botany, or just cultural history, this sprawling 1,000-acre estate has it all. The lands were purchased by the du Pont family in the mid-19th century, and Henry du Pont was instrumental in building the French mansion that became a family home. Du Pont was a famed botanist and antique collector, so the beautiful 60-acre garden enjoyed by visitors worldwide is owed to his influence.
Generations of du Ponts built one of the world’s finest decorative art collections. These cherished pieces of Americana now wow visitors in an on-site museum open since the 950s. Around 90,000 decorations are on display, in addition to nearly 200 period room set-ups. These relics represent historic periods beginning in the 1640s and span two centuries. Even more memorable is the 87,000-volume library that is a devotional to American history.
2. Fort Christina
Wilmington’s literal roots rest in the nation’s first Swedish settlement: Kristinehamn. This historical settlement lay at the meeting-ground of the Christina River and the Brandywine River. Fort Christina rose in the 1730s as protection for this fledgling colony against potential attacks. While the fort eventually fell to Dutch invaders, it gained new life in the early 1800s as Fort Union.
Today, a striking monument created by a Swedish sculptor stands at the former site of Fort Christina. This National Historic Landmark reminds locals of their rich heritage.
3. Quaker Hill Historic District
This iconic neighborhood’s legacy earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The area partially owes its name to a once-strong Quaker presence, memorialized at the Quaker Meetinghouse and Cemetery. The early 19th-century Cathedral of St. Peter also calls this community home.
Even the residential homes are a feast for the eyes, representing Gothic Revival, Second Empire, and other architectural styles from the 19th century.
4. Old Swedes Church
This historic site also pays tribute to some of America’s first settlers of European descent. A small church and graveyard are the last remnants of the Swedish colony that landed in the 1600s. The landmark is believed to be one of the only structures still standing from this transformative time in American history.
The historic Hendrickson House, relocated from Pennsylvania, stands on these lands, too as a museum and a remnant of early 1700s residences.
5. Wilmington and Western Railroad
Another National Register of Historic Places recipient, this steam and diesel train destination will actually take you on a scenic excursion of the region’s picturesque landscape. Ride the same rails residents utilized decades before and journey back through history, complemented by an on-site museum.
Then, journey into your future with a wonderful new ride. Visit Wilmington’s premier dealership at Lexus of Wilmington and peruse an inventory of autos tailored to your wants and needs.
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