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

Toward a Future Union

Photographed by Pete Skillman, November 5, 2024

1. Toward a Future Union Marker

Inscription.

Toward a Future Union. . Each of these unique sites made a distinctive contribution to our history. Learn about the cultures transplanted by early Swedish, Dutch, Finnish, and British immigrants, and the principles of the Society of Friends (Quakers) that shaped the region's social and political values. Each site presents a perspective on the continuing national journey toward "A More Perfect Union." We invite you to follow that journey.

Brandywine Valley
For centuries, preservation efforts have kept this land a haven for recreationists and outdoor enthusiasts. Brandywine Valley retains remnants of European settlement -- mills, stone houses, barns, corn-cribs, springhouses, and rich fields of golden grain. Follow a valley road into classic rural America.
Old Swedes Historic Site
A Swedish Lutheran congregation led by pastor Eric Björk laid the cornerstone of their church on May 28, 1698. Dedicated on June 4, 1699, Old Swedes Church was a sturdy statement of the ongoing cultural influence that Swedish settlers had on the upper reaches of the Delaware Bay.
Fort Christina
In 1638, Sweden signaled its intent to vie for empire in North America. The Kalmar Nyckel, anchored near the mouth of the Christina River, delivered New Sweden's first settlers. Until forced to surrender in 1655 by Dutch rivals, Fort Christina protected a fledgling fur trading and agricultural colony.
New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle played a central role in Delaware statehood and constitutional government. On June 15, 1776, the Colonial Assembly met in the court house and voted to separate from Great Britian and Pennsylvania. After declaring Independence in July, the colonies needed to write their own governing laws. In September 1776, elected delegates met in the court house to adopt Delaware's first state constitution.
The Dover Green
The Dover Green became a focal point of political life. Residents gathered there on July 29, 1776, to hear the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, on December 7, 1787, delegates meeting in a tavern on the edge of The Green voted to "fully, freely, and entirely" ratify the US Constitution, making Delaware the first state.
John Dickinson Plantation
The home of John and Mary Noris Dickinson is an appropriate place to remember the "Penman of the Revolution," and signer of the US Constitution.

(Captions):

Discover the historic ruins found throughout the Brandywine Valley unit of First State.

In the mid-18th century, the red fox was imported from England by local landowners who enjoyed hunting them with hounds. Today, red foxes are commonly seen in Brandywine Valley. Maybe you will see their tracks while exploring the trails.

Hikers explore Brandywine Valley.

Each of these unique sites made a distinctive contribution to our history. Learn about the cultures transplanted by early Swedish, Dutch, Finnish, and British immigrants, and the principles of the Society of Friends (Quakers) that shaped the region's social and political values. Each site presents a perspective on the continuing national journey toward "A More Perfect Union." We invite you to follow that journey.

Brandywine Valley
For centuries, preservation efforts have kept this land a haven for recreationists and outdoor enthusiasts. Brandywine Valley retains remnants of European settlement -- mills, stone houses, barns, corn-cribs, springhouses, and rich fields of golden grain. Follow a valley road into classic rural America.
Old Swedes Historic Site
A Swedish Lutheran congregation led by pastor Eric Björk laid the cornerstone of their church on May 28, 1698. Dedicated on June 4, 1699, Old Swedes Church was a sturdy statement of the ongoing cultural influence that Swedish settlers had on the upper reaches of the Delaware Bay.
Fort Christina
In 1638, Sweden signaled its intent to vie for empire in North America. The Kalmar Nyckel, anchored near the mouth of the Christina River, delivered New Sweden's first settlers. Until forced to surrender in 1655 by Dutch rivals, Fort Christina protected a fledgling fur trading and agricultural colony.
New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle played a central role in Delaware statehood and constitutional government. On June 15, 1776, the Colonial Assembly met in the court house and voted to separate from Great Britian and Pennsylvania. After declaring Independence in July, the colonies needed to write their own governing laws. In September 1776, elected delegates met in the court house to adopt Delaware's first state constitution.
The Dover Green
The Dover Green became a focal point of political life. Residents gathered there on July 29, 1776, to hear the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, on December 7, 1787, delegates meeting in a tavern on the edge of The Green voted to "fully, freely, and entirely" ratify the US Constitution, making Delaware the first state.
John Dickinson Plantation
The home of John and Mary Noris Dickinson is an appropriate place to remember the "Penman of the Revolution," and signer of the US Constitution.

(Captions):

Discover

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the historic ruins found throughout the Brandywine Valley unit of First State.

In the mid-18th century, the red fox was imported from England by local landowners who enjoyed hunting them with hounds. Today, red foxes are commonly seen in Brandywine Valley. Maybe you will see their tracks while exploring the trails.

Hikers explore Brandywine Valley.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Environment • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is May 28, 1698.

Location. 39° 50.078′ N, 75° 34.55′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is on Brandywine Creek Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 99 Brandywine Creek Rd, Wilmington DE 19803, 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,

Toward a Future Union Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, November 5, 2024

2. Toward a Future Union Marker - wide view

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A Gift of Preservation (here, next to this marker); Smith's Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Smith's Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); Grace Episcopal Church (approx. 1.8 miles away); Lorraine Fleming (approx. 1.8 miles away); Lynn W. Williams - Pioneer of Preservation (approx. 1.8 miles away); Pennsylvania (approx. 2 miles away in Pennsylvania); The Garden of the Righteous Gentiles (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.