Wilmington, Delaware

Landing Ship, Tank (LST) under construction at the Dravo Shipyard in Wilmington, DE during WWII

City of Wilmington

American World War II Heritage City

The citizens of Wilmington, Delaware and the larger region responded to World War II by enlisting in the U.S. military, conserving at home, expanding aid and training opportunities through community organizations, holding war bond drives to raise funds for ship building, and by working in Wilmington shipyards and factories.

Shipbuilding became the standout industry for Wilmington during the war. The Dravo Corporation was awarded Navy contracts and the Wilmington shipyards received orders for destroyer escorts and landing ships, including the distinctive "Wilmington type" Landing Ship Medium. All of these were built and delivered with recognized excellence, safety, and efficiency. Over 14,100 Wilmington workers in two shipyards, along with large numbers of subcontractors, contributed to the Allied victory through their home front efforts. Although shipbuilding waned post-WWII, Wilmington adapted to peacetime production with a new attitude and understanding of what a committed and diverse workforce could accomplish.

Today Wilmington remembers the sacrifices of its citizens and others during World War II through military and Holocaust commemorative sculptures, Dravo Plaza, public history markers, recognition ceremonies, an oral history project, a teacher's resource guide, and other published works.