Collins Park near New Castle in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Collins Park Bombings

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 1, 2019

1. The Collins Park Bombings Marker

Inscription. On February 24, 1959 George, Lucille, and Geraldine Rayfield, an African American family, moved into their new home at 107 Bellanca Lane. As they moved in 300 protesters gathered out front, angered over the news that the Rayfields had moved into the all-white neighborhood. While the family was out on April 6, 1959 an explosion ripped through their house. Undeterred by the explosion, the Rayfields returned to their home. A second blast destroyed their house on August 2, 1959, leaving the Rayfields no choice but to leave. Within one week of the second bombing the police apprehended the bombers who were later convicted of both attacks.

Erected 2017 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NCC-230.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 24, 1959.

Location. 39° 41.593′ N, 75° 33.263′ W. Marker is near New Castle, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Collins Park. It is at the intersection of New Castle Avenue (Route 9) and Cherry Lane, on the right when traveling north on New Castle Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Killoran Dr, New Castle DE 19720, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Wilmington and in Greater Philadelphia.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic

and on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wounded Combat Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Delaware & New Jersey WWII Submariners Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Delaware Memorial Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (approx. ¼ mile away); Delaware - Desert Shield / Desert Storm Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Delaware River and Bay Authority Vietnam Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Korean War Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Garrett E. Lyons (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Castle.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 1, 2019

2. The Collins Park Bombings Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,571 times since then and 68 times this year. Last updated on March 3, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 1, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.