Plan Your Visit

First State National Historical Park (NHP) is a newer national park unit within the park service with a central visitor center located in Historic New Castle. If you are unable to stop by the visitor center, each site has their own welcome area where you can receive general information and discover the unique history.

 

 

Park Units

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  Brandywine Creek

  Brandywine Valley

  Hike along more than 20 miles of trails, take in the wildlife, or stop for a picnic along the Brandywine River.

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  Old Swedes Historic Site

  Discover Swedish traditions and remember the lives of those buried here such as Florence Bayard Hilles.

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  Fort Christina

  See where the Swedes originally landed and established their colony!

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  History of Historic New Castle

  Learn how this historic town and Court House played a role in creating the State of Delaware.

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  The Dover Green

  See where Delaware became the "First State" and step where women gathered to rally for and against the 19th Amendment!

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  John Dickinson Plantation

  Discover the unknown stories about the John Dickinson Plantation and the role John Dickinson played in founding this nation!

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  The Sheriff's House Welcome Center

  Explore the Sheriff's House Welcome Center to learn more about the park. Located in Historic New Castle,DE (Photo Credit: Riggs Ward Design)