First State National Historical Park

National Historical Park · DE, PA · nps.gov page

Red, yellow, and green leaves lay on the grass in front of a colonial building. — Each fall, an 18th Century Market Fair is recreated to commemorate the original purpose of The Green.Photo: NPS Photo

Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.

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News

National Park Service Proposes Rule to Allow Bicycle Use on Designated Trails at First State National Historical Park 2026-07-29
WILMINGTON, Del. — The National Park Service is proposing to allow bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of designated trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of First State National Historical Park and is seeking public comment on the proposed rule from July 30 through Sept. 28.

Photos

A view of the front of the John Dickinson House on the Plantation. — John Dickinson is most famously known as the "Penman of the Revolution" at this site, visitors learn the stories of the many residents: tenant farmers, indentured servants, free and enslaved Black men, women, and children and the Dickinson family.Photo: NPS Photo

A brick bath leads to a door of an old church surrounded by vegetation. — Old Swedes Historic Site contains burials that can be traced back to the original settlement of the Swedes.Photo: NPS Pohto

Pews line the side of the room leading to the English style court room. — The New Castle Court House Museum was the first court of Delaware and has seen a variety of significant moments in history.Photo: NPS Photo

Rolling agricultural hills on a bright sunny day. — The Brandywine Valley unit is most known for its recreational opportunities.Photo: NPS Photo

A replica of the original Kalmar Nyckel ship sails by the monument at Fort Christina. — This site commernmates the Swedes original landing and the fort that once stood in the area.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.