THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
 
 
 
 
 
 
114 entries match your criteria. The first 100 are listed.                                               The final 14 ⊳

 
 

Delaware State Parks Historical Markers

 
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 25, 2026
Markers on display by the John Bell House
1 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — Discover Delaware's Capital at First State Heritage Park — First State Heritage Park —
On The Green east of South State Street, on the right when traveling east.
Delaware's first "urban park without boundaries" is a partnership of the historical and cultural sites of Dover. John Bell House: Take a walking tour of The Green and step back in time as Historical Interpreters work on 18th . . . — — Map (db m307059) HM
2 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — Fork Branch Nature Preserve —
Near Kenton Road (County Road 104) north of Baltray Road, on the right when traveling north.
Pre-History The Fork Branch Nature Preserve with its freshwater marshes and well-drained uplands was an important area to native peoples. They came here seasonally for many thousands of years for the wide range of natural food resources. A . . . — — Map (db m273497) HM
3 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — Fork Branch Nature Preserve —
Near Kenton Road (County Road 104) north of Baltray Road, on the right when traveling north.
History In its more recent history, the preserve had become a crossroads for milling and transportation. The first Europeans settled in this area in the late 17th century. At that time, John Albertson and John Mumford acquired the 877-acre . . . — — Map (db m273498) HM
4 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — Hall House — The First State Heritage Park at Dover
On Kings Highway Southwest at Pennsylvania Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Kings Highway Southwest. Reported permanently removed.
The land on which Hall House stands was originally part of the Woodburn property. In 1885, Thomas Wilson, Jr. purchased an acre from his uncle living in Woodburn and built this house, which was completed in 1887. In 1983, during the . . . — — Map (db m43736) HM
5 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — Hall House — First State Heritage Park —
On Kings Highway Southwest north of Pennsylvania Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
The land on which Hall House stands was originally part of the Woodburn property. In 1885, Thomas Wilson, Jr. purchased an acre from his uncle living in Woodburn and built this house, which was completed in 1887. In 1983, during the . . . — — Map (db m198999) HM
6 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — John Bell House
On The Green east of South State Street, on the right when traveling east. Reported permanently removed.
The 18th-century front section of this structure is the oldest surviving wood building in Dover. It is being restored to serve as an interpretive center for the First State heritage Park. The 20th-century rear additions will be removed to return . . . — — Map (db m39097) HM
7 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — 3 — Legislative Hall: Delaware's Capitol Building — First State Heritage Park —
On M.L.K. Jr Boulevard North at Legislative Avenue, on the left when traveling west on M.L.K. Jr Boulevard North.
Legislative Hall was dedicated as the state's new capitol building in 1933, replacing The Old State House on The Green. The Senate and the House of Representatives of Delaware's General Assembly meets here. The building also houses the offices of . . . — — Map (db m194645) HM
8 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — The Anne McClements Woods —
Near Kenton Road (County Road 104) north of Baltray Road, on the right when traveling north.
Preservation Amidst Development The Anne McClements Woods Tract of the Fork Branch Nature Preserve is the largest forest stand within Dover city limits, containing 259.32 acres. The preserve is home to more than 200 acres of mature forest with . . . — — Map (db m273496) HM
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9 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — The John Bell House — First State Heritage Park —
On The Green east of South State Street, on the right when traveling east.
An extremely rare example of a one-and-a-half-story 18th century timber-frame building, the John Bell House has stood on the historic Dover Green witnessing many key events of Dover, the State of Delaware, and the United States. . . . — — Map (db m307062) HM
10 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — Welcome to Fork Branch Nature Preserve —
Near Kenton Road (County Road 104) north of Baltray Road, on the right when traveling north.
Chapter 73 of the Delaware Code, Title 7 states: "…it is necessary and desirable that areas of unusual natural significance be set aside and preserved for the benefit of present and future generations before they have been . . . — — Map (db m273494) HM
11 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — Woodburn: The Governor's House — First State Heritage Park at Dover
On King's Highway. Reported permanently removed.
This house was built for Charles Hillyard III ca. 1798. At the time, it was considered one of the grandest in Kent County. When Hillyard died in 1814, his son-in-law, Dr. Martin W. Bates purchased the house. Bates lived here with his wife Mary . . . — — Map (db m42796) HM
12 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — Woodburn: The Governor's House — First State Heritage Park Historic Sites — Delaware State Parks —
On Kings Highway Southwest at Pennsylvania Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Kings Highway Southwest.
This house was built for Charles Hillyard III ca. 1798. At the time it was considered one of the grandest in Kent County. When Hillyard died in 1814, his son-in-law, Dr. Martin W. Bates purchased the house. Bates lived here with his wife Mary and . . . — — Map (db m232941) HM
13 ► Delaware, Kent County, Dover, East Dover Hundred — 15 — Woodburn: The Governor's House — First State Heritage Park
On Kings Highway Southwest at Pennsylvania Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Kings Highway Southwest. Reported permanently removed.
This house was built for Charles Hillyard III ca. 1798. At the time it was considered one of the grandest in Kent County. When Hillyard died in 1814, his son-in-law, Dr. Martin W. Bates purchased the house. Bates lived here with his wife Mary . . . — — Map (db m198998) HM
14 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Bear, Pencader Hundred — Peter Geldof, Jr.: First Director of Delaware's Park System — Pioneer of Preservation —
Near Buck Jersey Road 1.2 miles south of Howell School Road, on the right when traveling east.
Lums Pond State Park The pond has existed since 1735 when St. Georges Creek was dammed to power a sawmill. when the Lum family acquired the mill after 1809, they lent their name to the pond. Some twenty years later, Lums Pond provided water . . . — — Map (db m238407) HM
15 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Bellefonte, Brandywine Hundred — Charles A. Salkin — Delaware State Parks Pioneer of Preservation — Bellevue State Park —
Near Carr Road south of Bellevue Parkway, on the right when traveling south.
Charles A. "Chazz" Salkin's 35-year career with Delaware State Parks began as Director of the Young Adult Conservation Corps at Bellevue State Park in 1978 and culminated in an unprecedented 21-year tenure as Director of the Delaware Division of . . . — — Map (db m240845) HM
16 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Bellefonte, Brandywine Hundred — The Cauffiel House and Estate — a country home on the river —
Near Cauffiel Parkway south of Philadelphia Pike (Business U.S. 13), on the left when traveling south.
Once the summer home of a prosperous Wilmington businessman and his family, the Cauffiel House has changed little since it was built in the late 1920s. The colonial style brick house still looks down to the Delaware River over land that was . . . — — Map (db m227941) HM
17 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Delaware City, Red Lion Hundred — Leah Roedel: First Lady of Parks — Pioneer of Preservation —
On Wilmington Avenue 0.2 miles north of Exchange Road, on the right when traveling north.
Fort DuPont State Park Tucked beneath the northern foot of Reedy Point Bridge, Fort DuPont is one of the last open riverfront areas left in northern New Castle County. Once farmland, the site has been dedicated to defending the Delaware . . . — — Map (db m174456) HM
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18 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Delaware City, Red Lion Hundred — Pea Patch Island —
On Park pathway.
Fort Delaware is located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. The island is sometimes said to have gotten its name from a boat loaded with peas that ran aground on a mud shoal in the 1770s. The spilled peas sprouted, mud caught in the . . . — — Map (db m21589) HM
19 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Edgemoor, Brandywine Hundred — Timeline of the Delaware River —
On Lighthouse Road 0.7 miles north of Edgemoor Road.
1640 Native people welcomed the early explorers Before the arrival of the first Europeans, this area was occupied by Lenape Indians, who depended on the forests, river valleys and waterways for their survival. When the early Dutch . . . — — Map (db m191668) HM
20 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Newark, Mill Creek Hundred — Pioneer of Preservation — Donald Sharpe: Rallying Point for Action —
Near Smiths Mill Road west of Paper Mill Road (Delaware Route 72), on the left when traveling west.
White Clay Creek State Park Sloping hills and rocky outcrops mark the White Clay Creek State Park as part of the Piedmont, which comprises just six percent of Delaware's land mass. Its forested hills are blessed with a rich variety of . . . — — Map (db m244064) HM
21 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Newark, Mill Creek Hundred — The Judge Morris Estate — The Former Home of a Delaware Attorney and Judge
Near Polly Drummond Hill Road 0.2 miles north of Kirkwood Highway. Reported permanently removed.
Built in the 1790s, this 2½ story gray fieldstone house is the former home of Judge Hugh M. Morris. Morris was a Delaware native, respected attorney and distinguished federal judge. He purchased the house and a large parcel of land here in 1933. . . . — — Map (db m161924) HM
22 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Newark, Mill Creek Hundred — The Judge Morris Estate — Home of Prominent Attorney and Judge —
Near Polly Drummond Hill Road.
The Original Structure The original structure was a 22-story gray fieldstone house built in the 1790s by John Barclay. The home was purchased by Andrew Gray in the 1820s. Gray made additions to the structure and named it "Chestnut Hill." . . . — — Map (db m161929) HM
23 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Newark, White Clay Creek Hundred — Dorothy P. Miller: Champion of Preservation — Pioneer of Preservation —
On Creek Road 0.2 miles north of Hopkins Road, on the right when traveling north.
The White Clay Creek Valley The White Clay Creek Valley is a stream and floodplain habitat surrounded by rolling, forested hills. An important natural resource, the valley is home to more than 250 plant species, 30 species of mammals, and . . . — — Map (db m154633) HM
24 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Newark, White Clay Creek Hundred — The Industries of Newark — Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail —
On East Cleveland Avenue at Paper Mill Road, on the right when traveling west on East Cleveland Avenue.
Newark was once the home of several factories producing paper, wood laminates and a variety of textiles. Some were located on the White Clay Creek. Harnessing its water flow to generate power. The Pomeroy and Newark Railroad service these . . . — — Map (db m174922) HM
25 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — A Family Company —
On Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, on the right when traveling south.
Not Just Workers, But Family For as long as this was a family business, workers at Bancroft Mills were treated as members of the family. Long before workers had any rights, Joseph Bancroft and his sons provided decent wages and benefits not . . . — — Map (db m240816) HM
26 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — Alapocas Run Park —
On Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, on the right when traveling north.
An oasis within the city Welcome to Alapocas Run Park, a part of Wilmington State Parks. The park began in 1910 when William Poole Bancroft donated 123 acres along the banks of Brandywine River to the city of Wilmington. In the years since, . . . — — Map (db m240818) HM
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27 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — Bancroft Mills — Textile Leader Locally, Nationally, Globally… —
On Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, on the right when traveling south.
What you see before you is Bancroft Mills. At one time, this was one of the most important local businesses and a textile center of national and global significance. Founded by Joseph Bancroft in 1831, Bancroft Mills flourished for more than a . . . — — Map (db m240812) HM
28 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — Cauffiel House and Estate — A Family's Legacy —
Near Cauffiel Parkway 0.2 miles south of Philadelphia Pike (Business U.S. 13), on the right when traveling south.
This property, now known as the Cauffiel Estate, was purchased in 1910 by Daniel Cauffiel, the chief real estate advisor to T. Coleman DuPont and the DuPont Company. Cauffiel bought this 44-acre estate as a summer home for his wife Elizabeth and . . . — — Map (db m226404) HM
29 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — Delaware: Trading with the world —
On Lighthouse Road 0.9 miles north of Ellerslie Road, on the right when traveling north.
The Delaware estuary is the second largest freshwater port in the United States. It hosts the country's second largest concentration of petrochemical facilities. Shipping of petrochemicals and other products has revitalized ports along the . . . — — Map (db m191845) HM
30 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — Joseph Bancroft and His Legacy —
Near Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, on the left when traveling north.
Bancroft Mills became a leading manufacturer through one family's business sense and Quaker values. The Founder Joseph Bancroft was both a devout Quaker and a wise businessman. By keeping his company up-to-date on new trends and . . . — — Map (db m240759) HM
31 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — Memories of Fox Point — The old days remembered —
On Lighthouse Road 0.9 miles north of Ellerslie Road, on the right when traveling north.
The history of Fox Point has been rich and varied with each generation leaving its indelible influence on the area. Gertrude Dunlap, historian of the Fox Point Association, fondly recorded the memories of long time residents of the Fox Point . . . — — Map (db m191846) HM
32 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — The Blue Ball Barn — Connecting the Past with the Future —
Near West Park Drive 0.1 miles north of East Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
This former dairy barn has been transformed. Today it is a visitor and conference center available for meetings, weddings and other special events. The Blue Ball Barn is home to the Delaware Folk Art Collection, as well as an historical . . . — — Map (db m173286) HM
33 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — The Blue Ball Milk House — Processing Milk with New, Sanitary Methods —
Near West Park Drive.
Built in 1914 to process milk for Alfred I. duPont's Nemours Estate, this small building was a fine match for the expensive barn nearby. In addition to an office, it had a coal stove, sink for washing bottles and equipment, and an ice box room. . . . — — Map (db m185413) HM
34 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — The blue rocks of Alapocas Run Park —
On Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, on the right when traveling north.
A geological oddity Many people call the huge rocks you see along this trail "blue granite" or "blue rock." This is because when they are broken, the fresh exposed rock is a brilliant blue color. Continued exposure to air soon gives them . . . — — Map (db m240819) HM
35 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Hundred — Welcome to Fox Point State Park — Unique in many ways —
On Lighthouse Road 1 mile north of Ellerslie Road, on the right when traveling north.
Fox Point State Park is unique in Delaware's system of state parks. The park and its surroundings have a colorful history. As home to the Lenape Indians, the Swedes, Dutch, and English, it has been a hunting ground, farmland, a resort, and an . . . — — Map (db m191848) HM
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36 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Ameraucana —
Near North Park Drive 0.2 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
• Developed in the 1970s to retain the gene that produces blue eggs. 🏠 Origin: United States. 💡 Known for light-blue eggs. — — Map (db m191240) HM
37 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Ameraucana —
Near North Park Drive south of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling south.
• Developed in the 1970s to retain the gene that produces blue eggs. 🏠 Origin: United States. 💡 Known for light-blue eggs. — — Map (db m216034) HM
38 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Andean Condor — Vultur gryphus
Near North Park Drive 0.1 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
Bald and Beautiful Ever wonder why vultures have bald heads? This is a feeding adaptation revolving around their diet of carrion — dead and decaying carcasses. Having a feather-free head allows them to put their whole head into rotting . . . — — Map (db m191217) HM
39 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Andean Condor — Vultur gryphus
Near North Park Drive east of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east. Reported permanently removed.
People need vultures. These highly efficient scavengers likely limit the spread of diseases by feeding on carcasses that would otherwise rot. Andean condors have the largest wingspan of any landbird on Earth. Their huge wings help . . . — — Map (db m216033) HM
40 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Andean Condor — Vultur gryphus —
Near North Park Drive south of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling south.
Vultures are scavengers, feeding on animal carcasses that would otherwise rot. Scavengers are part of nature's cleanup crew! Andean condors have a wingspan of over 10½ feet, making them the world's largest birds of prey! Their . . . — — Map (db m308463) HM
41 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Angora —
Near North Park Drive 0.2 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
• Breed dates back to at least 3,500 years ago. • Produces up to 5 pounds of wool per shearing. 🏠 Origin: Turkey 💡 Known for wool used for mohair fabrics. — — Map (db m191245) HM
42 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Barred Rock —
Near North Park Drive 0.2 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling east.
. . . — — Map (db m191239) HM
43 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Barred Rock —
Near North Park Drive south of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling south.
. . . — — Map (db m216035) HM
44 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Black and White Ruffed Lemur — Varecia variegata —
Near North Park Drive 0.2 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
Ruffed lemurs plant trees! Undigested fruit seeds fall to the ground in their feces, which is good fertilizer. The future of forests depends on them. World's Largest Pollinator! Pollen gets stuck to the "ruffs" on fur around this . . . — — Map (db m191236) HM
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45 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Black and White Ruffed Lemur — Varecia variegata —
Near North Park Drive south of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling south.
Ruffed lemurs plant trees! Undigested fruit seeds fall to the ground in their feces, which is good fertilizer. The future of forests depends on them. World's Largest Pollinator! Pollen gets stuck to the "ruffs" on fur around this . . . — — Map (db m216037) HM
46 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Black and White Ruffed Lemur — Varecia variegata —
Near North Park Drive south of North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling north.
Ruffed lemurs plant trees! Undigested fruit seeds fall to the ground in their feces, which is good fertilizer. The future of forests depends on them. World's Largest Pollinator! Pollen gets stuck to the "ruffs" on fur around this . . . — — Map (db m216042) HM
47 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Bobcat — Lynx rufus —
Near North Park Drive 0.1 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling east.
Demand for fur coats pushed many wild cats to the brink of extinction. Thanks to protective legislation, species like bobcats are rebounding. Brandywine Zoo animal keepers train this bobcat and other zoo animals to voluntarily get in . . . — — Map (db m191218) HM
48 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Burrowing Owl — Athene cunicalaria —
Near North Park Drive 0.2 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the left.
This owl lives in underground colonies called "prairie-god towns" made by burrowing mammals. They share tunnels with prairie dogs, armadillos, foxes, skunks, and more. Do you see the tunnels our keepers made in this exhibit? Cowboys . . . — — Map (db m191238) HM
49 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Delaware Blue Hen —
On North Park Drive 0.2 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
• Became the Delaware state bird in 1939. • Accompanied Delaware soldiers in the Revolutionary War. 🏠 Origin: United States. 💡Known for steel-blue feathers and lightly tinted white eggs. — — Map (db m191243) HM
50 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Delaware Blue Hen —
Near North Park Drive south of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling south.
• Became the Delaware state bird in 1939. • Accompanied Delaware soldiers in the Revolutionary War. 🏠 Origin: United States. 💡Known for steel-blue feathers and lightly tinted white eggs. — — Map (db m216036) HM
51 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Domestication Origins —
Near North Park Drive 0.2 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
Goats were domesticated more than 10,000 years ago in the Middle East and Western Asia. Known for their easily digestible milk, there are more than 900 million goats spanning 200 breeds in the world. Chickens were first domesticated . . . — — Map (db m191244) HM
52 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Golden Lion Tamarin / The Amazon River and Rainforest / White-faced Saki —
Near North Park Drive 0.1 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
Golden Lion Tamarin Leontophithecus rosalia Golden lion tamarins were once critically endangered, with few as 200 in the wild. With intensive conservation efforts of AZA zoos and field partners, there are now . . . — — Map (db m191648) HM
53 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Looking Back… — …over 100 years ago from this spot
On Baynard Boulevard north of Washington Street. Reported permanently removed.
The Sugar Bowl, used as a band shell and observatory, stood at the original entrance to the Brandywine Zoo in the early 1900's. The pavilion was demolished in two stages--its dome was taken down in 1949 and the railings were removed in 1959. . . . — — Map (db m65718) HM
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54 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Looking Back… — …more than 100 years ago from this spot —
On Baynard Boulevard north of Washington Street, on the right when traveling south.
The Sugar Bowl, built in 1902, was so named because of its lid-like domed roof. It was used as a concert site and venue for community programs. The Sugar Bowl eventually fell into disrepair and was reduced to a plaza and chain link fence. . . . — — Map (db m131165) HM
55 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Looking Back… — …over 50 years ago from this spot —
On North Park Drive at North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling east on North Park Drive.
The Josephine Fountain has been drawing visitors to Brandywine Park since the 1930s. The fountain was built in honor of Mrs. Josephine Tatnall Smith who enjoyed walking through the park. Here families and couples enjoy a cool spring day in the . . . — — Map (db m131170) HM
56 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Looking Back… — …over 70 years ago from this spot —
On North Park Drive north of North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling south.
Created during the Great Depression, this garden's first plants were 670 roses donated by Mr. Jasper Crane. In 2001, the Friends of Wilmington Parks began restoration to return the garden to its original state. — — Map (db m173699) HM
57 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Looking Back… — …over 100 years ago from this spot —
On North Park Drive south of Augustine Cut Off, on the left when traveling north.
Brandywine Park was created to give urban residents relief from city living and working conditions. A young woman is pictured sitting atop an outcropping of Brandywine Blue Rock in 1897. — — Map (db m173700) HM
58 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Looking Back… — …over 100 years ago from this spot —
Near South Park Drive east of Lovering Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
On a mild winter day, two young boys run along the bank of the Brandywine River. Above them, a train rattles across the B & O Railroad Bridge. — — Map (db m216045) HM
59 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Looking Back… — …over 100 years ago from this spot —
Near South Park Drive north of North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling north.
An iron bridge once stood where the wooden bridge stands now. Deep in the winter, a mother and her daughters pause for this photograph taken in the early 20th century. — — Map (db m240820) HM
60 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Nigerian Dwarf —
Near North Park Drive south of North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling north.
• Arrived in the United States in the mid-1900s for use as exhibition animals. 🏠 Origin: West Africa 💡 Known as a dairy breed. — — Map (db m216040) HM
61 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — North Memories of Brandywine Park —
On North Park Drive east of North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling east.
Brandywine Park was created more than a century ago and has remained a quiet refuge in the heart of Wilmington ever since. In 1881, local businessman William Poole Bancroft recognized that the growing city of Wilmington had no public open . . . — — Map (db m130510) HM
62 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Radiated Tortoise — Astrochelys radiata —
Near North Park Drive 0.2 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
Radiated tortoises are one of more than 150,000 species found only in Madagascar. Like all tortoises, they serve as very important habitat role as "lawnmowers" and seed spreaders. Over 50% of radiated tortoises have disappeared since . . . — — Map (db m191233) HM
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63 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Radiated Tortoise — Astrochelys radiata —
Near North Park Drive south of North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling north.
Radiated tortoises are one of more than 150,000 species found only in Madagascar. Like all tortoises, they serve as very important habitat role as "lawnmowers" and seed spreaders. Over 50% of radiated tortoises have disappeared since . . . — — Map (db m216043) HM
64 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Red Panda — Ailurus fulgens fulgens —
Near North Park Drive 0.1 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
Though they look bear-like, red pandas are more closely related to racoons. The name panda likely comes from the Nepali word ponya, which means bamboo eater. Red pandas were first classified by a French . . . — — Map (db m191228) HM
65 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Red Panda Conservation —
Near North Park Drive 0.1 miles east of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
Numbers in Decline Red panda populations have dropped by as much as 40% in the last 50 years, with fewer than 10,000 of this vulnerable species thought to remain in the wild. Habitat Loss The red panda habitat has been fragmented . . . — — Map (db m191219) HM
66 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — San Clemente —
Near North Park Drive south of North Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling north.
• Heritage breed originating on the Island of San Clemente. • Endangered. Only 1700 exist world-wide. 🏠 Origin: San Clemente Island 💡 "Deer" like; hardy, alert and gentle. — — Map (db m216039) HM
67 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — Snowy Egret — Egretta thula —
Near North Park Drive south of North Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling south.
In the 1800s, snowy egret feathers were a coveted fashion decoration. They were so popular that by 1886 their white plumes cost $32 per ounce—which was twice the price of gold at the time! The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits . . . — — Map (db m216041) HM
68 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Brandywine Park — South Memories of Brandywine Park —
Near Lovering Avenue north of South Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Brandywine Park was created more than a century ago and has remained a quiet refuge in the heart of Wilmington ever since. In 1881, local businessman William Poole Bancroft recognized that the growing city of Wilmington had no public open . . . — — Map (db m216046) HM
69 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Christiana Hundred — Lorraine Fleming — Delaware State Parks — Pioneer of Preservation —
On Indian Springs Trail.
Our generation has the moral obligation to make sure that future generations have open spaces to enjoy where they can refresh their spirit. — Lorraine Fleming
As a student, Lorraine Fleming and her classmates took . . . — — Map (db m180668) HM
70 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Christiana Hundred — Lynn W. Williams — Pioneer of Preservation Conservationist, Educator, Advocate — Delaware State Parks Pioneer of Preservation —
Near Indian Springs Trail.
As a child, Lynn Williams spent her summers among the rural landscapes of her native New York. There she discovered what would become a lifelong appreciation and love of nature. Lynn brought that love of nature with her to Delaware, where she has . . . — — Map (db m180667) HM
71 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Highlands — Looking Back… — …over 100 years ago from this spot
On Lookout Drive west of Tower Drive, on the right when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
Rockford Tower, opened in 1901, was designed to be an observation tower and water tank by architects Elijah Dallett, Jr. and Louis C. Banker, Jr., and by engineer Theodore A. Leisen. The tank, still a part of the city water system, holds 500,000 . . . — — Map (db m191282) HM
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72 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Highlands — Looking Back… — …over 100 years ago from this spot —
On Lookout Drive just west of Tower Drive, on the right when traveling west.
True to its original design, Rockford Tower is an observation tower and still provides water to the surrounding neighborhoods. Here, two men are perched on the unfinished tower in the fall of 1900. — — Map (db m191289) HM
73 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Mid-town Brandywine — H. Fletcher Brown: The Man and the Vocational School —
On West 14th Street west of North Market Street.
In 1938 the Wilmington Board of Education proudly dedicated a new vocational high school on the northwest corner of Market and 14th Streets. State and city dignitaries attended the ceremony that officially opened a school that for the next three . . . — — Map (db m131160) HM
74 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Mid-town Brandywine — Looking Back… — …over 100 years ago from this spot —
On South Park Drive east of North West Street, on the right when traveling west.
In this photo from about 1913, park visitors enjoy the ice along with their dogs. A series of cold winters made ice skating on the Brandywine River a popular pastime. The dam pictured is the remnant of an early mill in Wilmington. — — Map (db m131163) HM
75 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Mid-town Brandywine — Looking Back… — …about 100 years ago from this spot
On South Park Drive at West Street, on the right when traveling west on South Park Drive. Reported permanently removed.
Skating on West Street Dam Though it is not done today, ice skating on the Brandywine River used to be quite popular. In this photo from about 1913, park visitors enjoy the ice with their dogs! — — Map (db m173698) HM
76 ► Delaware, New Castle County, Wilmington, Mid-town Brandywine — Old Soldiers' Park —
On East 15th Street at North Market Street, on the right when traveling west on East 15th Street.
Early in the 1890s, Civil War Union veterans claimed a small corner of Brandywine Park as a place to congregate in good weather. The familiar sight of the old soldiers sitting regularly in that area led people to call the spot "Old Soldiers' . . . — — Map (db m169002) HM
77 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Bethany Beach, Baltimore Hundred — Catching Waves — Delaware Seashore State Park —
Near Access Road A 0.2 miles north of Coastal Highway (Delaware Route 1) when traveling north.
Surf fishing is a Delaware tradition older than the beach parks themselves. Decades of cooperation between surf anglers, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, elected officials, and other concerned citizens have created perfect conditions . . . — — Map (db m206352) HM
78 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Bethany Beach, Baltimore Hundred — Indian River Inlet and Bridge — Nature vs. Technology —
On Turn Point Road (Local Road 50A) west of South Inlet Road, on the right when traveling west.
The Indian River Inlet has not always existed in its current location. This barrier beach environment is dynamic, and the opening to the inlet has opened and closed at different locations. When the inlet closed, navigation, water quality, . . . — — Map (db m206345) HM
79 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Bethany Beach, Baltimore Hundred — Sand Bypass System — Creating Balance —
Near Access Road A 0.2 miles north of Coastal Highway (Delaware Route 1), on the right when traveling north.
There is an ocean current that moves sand parallel to the coast known as the "littoral drift" or "longshore current." Along most of coastal Delaware, this current moves in a northward direction. As it moves north, it moves sand. There is so much . . . — — Map (db m206344) HM
80 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Dewey Beach, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — Indian River Inlet and Bridge — Nature vs. Technology —
Near Inlet Road 0.6 miles south of Coastal Highway (Delaware Route 1), on the left when traveling south.
The Indian River Inlet has not always existed in its current location. This barrier beach environment is dynamic, and the opening to the inlet has opened and closed at different locations. When the inlet closed, navigation, water quality, . . . — — Map (db m150130) HM
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81 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Dewey Beach, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — Sand Bypass System — Creating Balance —
Near Inlet Road 0.6 miles south of Coastal Highway (Delaware Route 1), on the left when traveling south.
There is an ocean current that moves sand parallel to the coast known as the "littoral drift" or "longshore current." Along most of coastal Delaware, this current moves in a northward direction. As it moves north, it moves sand. There is so much . . . — — Map (db m150128) HM
82 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Dewey Beach, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — Standing Guard —
On Coastal Highway.
Built from 1939 to 1942, the 11 concrete observation towers along Delaware's coast were built to protect the shores during World War II - and to last about 20 years. They are still standing after 60 years. The towers were the eyes for the guns of . . . — — Map (db m268382) HM
83 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Dewey Beach, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — United States Life-Saving Service — Struggles with the Sea —
Near Inlet Road 0.6 miles south of Coastal Highway (Delaware Route 1), on the left when traveling south.
In the 1870s, the United States Life-Saving Service (USLSS) was established to aid the victims of shipwrecks on American shores. The service featured a network of stations, with seven or eight men — called surfmen — who lived . . . — — Map (db m150127) HM
84 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Laurel, Little Creek Hundred — Historic Mills of the Trap Pond Area —
Near Trap Pond Road at Bald Cypress Lane, on the right when traveling east.
From Ironworks to Gristmills Many of the ponds in this area, including Trap Pond, were created in the late 1700s. The earliest dams were built to produce waterpower for ironworks. The waterpower ran bellows for furnaces that created iron . . . — — Map (db m291637) HM
85 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Laurel, Little Creek Hundred — Senator Robert "Bob" Venables — Supporter and Enthusiast —
Near Bald Cypress Lane 0.2 miles south of Trap Pond Road, on the left when traveling south.
For more than a quarter century, Senator Venables was an admired and influential legislator, serving 26 years in the Delaware General Assembly. During his many years as the co-chair of the state's Bond Bill Committee, he was able to garner . . . — — Map (db m198862) HM
86 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Laurel, Little Creek Hundred — Ted Harvey: Innovator for Preservation — Pioneer of Preservation —
On Wootten Road 0.1 miles east of Trussum Pond Road, on the right when traveling east.
Trussum Pond Tranquil waters trapped by a grist mill dam in the early nineteenth century made Trussum Pond a haven for the bald cypress. However, the trees now seen dotting the pond's surface are all that remain of a once extensive . . . — — Map (db m4540) HM
87 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Laurel, Little Creek Hundred — The Bethesda Church Lives On —
On Wootten Road (County Road 72) 0.1 miles west of Whaleys Road, on the right when traveling west.
Saving an Historic Landmark The Bethesda Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1879 to replace an older chapel. This rural country church is an excellent example of the Greek Revival style of architecture. Although it was . . . — — Map (db m198870) HM
88 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Laurel, Little Creek Hundred — The Old Country Church —
On Wootten Road (County Road 72) 0.1 miles west of Whaleys Road, on the right when traveling west.
Once Common, Now Rare The Bethesda Methodist Episcopal Church is a quiet reminder of the past. It may be hard to imagine now, but this was a central religious and community gathering site for 150 years. By the late 1800s, the church . . . — — Map (db m198868) HM
89 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Laurel, Little Creek Hundred — Welcome to Trap Pond State Park —
Near Bald Cypress Lane 0.2 miles south of Tap Pond Road, on the right when traveling east.
Trap Pond was created in the late 1700s to power a small water mill. Today the pond is a prime feature of this park—Delaware's first state park. Spanning about 3,800 acres, the park protects part of the ancient Great Cypress Swamp and . . . — — Map (db m198860) HM
90 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — 155mm Gun — This Gun: M114A2 Howitzer — Original Ft. Miles Gun: Model 1918-M-1 —
Near Dune Road 0.5 miles east of Campground Road, on the left when traveling east.
Guns such as these were used as field artillery. There were four 155mm guns placed at Fort Miles and four more placed across the Delaware Bay at Cape May, NJ to limit access to the bay. The concrete pads the were placed on were called "Panama . . . — — Map (db m150111) HM
91 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — 16-inch Gun — Coastal Defense Giant —
Near Dune Road 0.5 miles east of Campground Road, on the left when traveling east.
When Fort Miles was completed, its two 16-inch guns were some of the largest artillery ever engineered by the United States and were placed here to defend the coastline from enemy battleships. This particular gun barrel is Barrel 371, . . . — — Map (db m150114) HM
92 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — 3-Inch Gun — This Gun: 3-inch Deck Gun Mod. 1944 MK22 — The Original Ft. Miles Gun: Model 1903 —
Near Dune Road 0.5 miles east of Campground Road, on the left when traveling east.
This gun is known as a 3"/50, which specifies diameter of the gun's bore and it's caliber. The 3-inch guns that were placed at Fort Miles were mounted on a pedestal to allow them to be easily aimed and follow the target. Throughout their use, . . . — — Map (db m150104) HM
93 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — 6-inch Gun — This Gun: Mod. 1905 Mk D — The Original Ft. Miles Gun: Model 1903-A-2 —
Near Dune Road 0.5 miles east of Campground Road, on the left when traveling east.
The gun before you is a 6-inch pedestal-mounted deck gun. This gun could fire two types of rounds, a 105-lb. armor-piercing round and a 90 lb. high-explosive round. The model 1903-A2 guns that were at Fort Miles would have been mounted on . . . — — Map (db m150115) HM
94 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — 8-inch Gun — This Gun: Mark XXII Model II — Original Ft. Miles Gun: Model MXVI Mod.3A 11 —
Near Dune Road 0.5 miles east of Campground Road, on the left when traveling east.
The 8-inch guns placed at Fort Miles were each mounted on a railcar, making the large guns very mobile and easy to position for firing. The gun was able to turn in a 360° circle at an elevation of 45°. This made them difficult targets for enemy . . . — — Map (db m150112) HM
95 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — 90-MM Gun — This Gun: 90MM M2 — Guns used at Fort Miles: 90 MM M1/A1 (Mobile), M1/M3 (Fixed) —
Near Cape Henlopen State Park.
During World War II, the U.S. Coast Artillery used batteries, or groups, of four 90mm guns (two mobile and 2 fixed) in Anti-Motor Torpedo Boat/Anti Aircraft roles. Fort Miles had three such batteries during the 1940s. Batteries 5A and 5B were . . . — — Map (db m272522) HM
96 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — Battery Hunter —
Near Post Lane.
This casemate, named Battery Hunter was built in World War II to house two 6-inch guns. The bunker, 15 acres of surrounding land and 500 feet of beach surrounding it was occupied by the Navy from 1950 until 1981.

Beginning in . . . — — Map (db m272529) HM
97 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station — 1884-1926 —
Near Dock Drive.
Many of the European immigrants who came to this country at the end of the nineteenth century brought with them a variety of epidemic diseases including cholera, typhus, smallpox and bubonic plague. This posed a serious threat to urban areas such as . . . — — Map (db m39387) HM
98 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — Formed by Nature and Man — Cape Henlopen State Park — Delaware State Parks —
On Ocean Drive (County Road 300) 0.4 miles north of Robins Lane, on the right when traveling north.
Long ago, this area was a freshwater marsh. It lay protected from ocean storms by the Great Dune and barrier beaches. As sea levels rose, saltwater marshes replaced freshwater marshes. Starting in the 1800s, locals extracted salt from . . . — — Map (db m232983) HM
99 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — Fort Miles Artillery Park — Recalling the guns that protected our coast —
Near Dune Road 0.5 miles east of Campground Road, on the left when traveling east.
The guns in this park serve as representations of the artillery that was here throughout Fort Miles' World War II years; these are not the actual guns and not the same models as the guns that were placed here. Fort Miles was part of the . . . — — Map (db m150109) HM
100 ► Delaware, Sussex County, Lewes, Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred — Fort Miles Historical Area — Battery 519 Cantonment —
Near Dune Road 0.5 miles east of Campground Road, on the left when traveling east.
This small group of buildings, or cantonment, provided living space and necessary services for the troops assigned to operate the guns of Fort Miles. Concrete barracks were more comfortable than the canvas and wood structures that were . . . — — Map (db m150102) HM

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Nov. 11, 2026