Swedes Landing in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Landing of the Swedes

Courtesy of Thomas P. Martin, August 6, 2016

1. Landing of the Swedes Marker

Inscription. In late 1637, the New Sweden Company sent out its first expedition to America to establish a Swedish presence in the New World. Sailing in two ships, the Kalmar Nyckel and the Fogel Grip, the expedition landed near this site in March 1638. Under Peter Minuit's leadership, Fort Christina was erected to protect the new settlement. Named after Queen Christina of Sweden, the fort was home to approximately 25 colonists. It was the first permanent European settlement in what is now the State of Delaware. Fort Christina served as the new colony's administrative and commercial center as the Swedes expanded their influence throughout the Delaware Valley. Known as New Sweden, the colony was conquered by the Dutch in 1655 before the English took over the region in 1664. Today, the City of Wilmington traces its roots from this first settlement of the Swedes.

Erected 2013 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NCC-197B.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Delaware

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Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1638.

Location. 39° 44.199′ N, 75° 32.332′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Swedes Landing. It can be reached from East 7th Street just east of Swedes Landing Road, on the right when traveling east. It is at the entrance to the Fort Christina Unit of First State National Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1110 East 7th Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Philadelphia.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Anthony (here, next to this marker); Kalmar Nyckel Monument (a few steps from this marker); The Monument (about 400 feet

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 31, 2021

2. Landing of the Swedes Marker

away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Monument (about 400 feet away); The Park (about 500 feet away); Fort Christina Monument (about 500 feet away); Fort Christina (about 500 feet away); Old Swedes' Church (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

More about this marker. This marker is listed in the updated online records of the Delaware Public Archives as number "NCC-197B". It appears that the number "NC-197" was accidentally re-used.

Photographed by Carl Gordon Moore Jr., July 8, 2023

3. Landing of the Swedes Marker

The rocks next to the river. Subject marker is off camera to right, and Kalmar Nyckel Monument is behind the camera.

Photographed by Carl Gordon Moore Jr., July 8, 2023

4. Landing of the Swedes Marker

Subject marker and one other are on right, and Kalmar Nyckel Monument is off camera to left.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,322 times since then and 86 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on March 25, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on June 1, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on July 14, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland.