Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lifeboat 39
To make Lifeboat 39 into the King's Launch, several modifications were necessary. All of the sails, flotation tanks, and hardware had to be removed, and a larger rear bench seat was added. The bench seat was covered with fabric called the "gigg clothing" (giggklδde) and marked with the Swedish symbol of the Three Crowns. Borrowing the inspiration from the Naval Museum's King Sloop (kingslup), the King's Launch was painted black with yellow striping. Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia brought the King's Launch to Delaware in 1988 to celebrate 350th Anniversary of the colony of New Sweden. Their Majesties used the King's Launch to sail up the Christina River and dock at "the Rocks," just as the first Swedish settlers did aboard Kalmar Nyckel in 1638. Today, the Landmark, and the King's Launch is preserved next door at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
Erected by Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1988.
Location. 39° 44.263′ N, 75° 32.22′ W. Marker is in Wilmington,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is 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: A different marker also named Lifeboat 39 (here, next to this marker); Escape by Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilmington's Civil War Ironclads (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); USS Monitor America's First National Marine Sanctuary (about 300 feet away); Fort Christina (about 300 feet away); Fort Christina Monument (about 300 feet away); The Monument (about 300 feet away);
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 53 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
