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

The Brandywine Creek flowing on a sunny day with green vegitation on either side.
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.

Light shines through a church door that is cracked open.

Old Swedes Historic Site

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

Trees outline the monument at Fort Christina next the the Christina River.

Fort Christina

See where the Swedes originally landed and established their colony!

An angled view looking up at the New Castle Court House.

History of Historic New Castle

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

A view looking up from the grass towards a colonial building and large trees.

The Dover Green

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

Smoke and fall leaves line the photo of the smokehouse on the plantation.

John Dickinson Plantation

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

A two-story brick Italianate building with large gray double doors.

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)

Last updated: August 25, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

First State National Historical Park
10 Market Street
New Castle, DE 19720

Phone:

302-317-3854
To speak to a park ranger, call the park Welcome Center (302-317-3854) and someone will return your call as soon as possible. For a more immediate response, please email the park at firststate@nps.gov.

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