New Castle Hundred in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Industrial Track Trail
Photographed by Pete Skillman, July 26, 2024
1. The Industrial Track Trail Marker
The 19th century saw railroad expansion all over the country. In Delaware railroads connected New Castle County and Wilmington to points north south and west. Yet, the need for a direct line between New Castle County and Wilmington was undeniable. Riverfront industries required coal to power their machinery, the numerous mills had goods to transport and the residents of rural New Castle County needed an easier route to Wilmington.
The New Castle & Wilmington Railroad was chartered in 1839 and opened in 1854, linking these two locations and providing a connection with other railroads. In 1891, it was sold to the Delaware Railroad. The New Castle & Wilmington Railroad was abandoned in sections from 1972 to 1984 until its tracks were finally removed in the mid-1990s.
Did you know?
Bicycling is the most energy-efficient form of transportation ever invented.
A Pedestrian-Friendly Trail is Built
Today the Industrial Track Trail follows almost the exact corridor of the former New Castle & Wilmington Railroad. What was once a track of steel and smoke is now a lush 3.8-mile nature trail that connects the historic town of New Castle with the Wilmington Riverfront. It's a truly unique trail where history, nature and entertainment
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 39° 42.991′ N, 75° 34.686′ W. Marker is in New Castle, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in New Castle Hundred. It can be reached from Jack A. Markell Trail, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3452 Jack A Markell Trail, Wilmington DE 19804, 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Delaware Military Academy (approx. half a mile away); Bobby Hall, Sr. (approx. 0.7 miles away); A Notable Resting Place (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named The Industrial Track Trail (approx. 0.8 miles away); Sentinel Tree Planting (approx. 0.9 miles away); Five Points Civil Association Fire Squad Bell (approx. 0.9 miles away); Ashley Mansion (approx. one mile away); Delaware State Hospital Cemetery (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Castle.
Photographed by Pete Skillman, July 26, 2024
2. The Industrial Track Trail Marker - wide view
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 206 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 22, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
