Area Overview

• Area History
• Area Facts
• Famous Firsts
• FAQ's
• New Castle County
• Wilmington
• Newark
• Historic New Castle
• Greenville and Centreville
• Delaware City/Odessa/Middletown
• Claymont
• Maps and Directions

Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington, Delaware's largest city, was first known by the name Willington, in honor of Thomas Willing, the first developer of the land.  The original colony was founded by Sweden and Finland in 1638, and later fell in to the hands of the Dutch in 1655.  Years following, under British rule and King George II the colony was granted a borough charter in 1739.  It was at this time the name was changed from Willington to Wilmington, in honor of Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington, a favorite of the King.  The borough of Wilmington was officially granted its city charter in 1832.

Today the city of Wilmington encompasses 17 square miles and has a population of over 72,000.  It is strategically located on I-95 midway between New York City and Washington, D.C. and is approximately 25 minutes south of Philadelphia International Airport.  More than 80 trains stop at the Wilmington train station each day including Amtrak's high speed Acela.

Wilmington has firmly established itself as the "Corporate Capital" due to the many benefits of Delaware's liberal tax structure, flexible and business-friendly corporation law, and the Delaware Court of Chancery.  In fact, you will find that the official headquarters of many corporations, that otherwise do little or no business in the state, are located in and around the City of Wilmington.

For fun and entertainment Wilmington offers a rich performing arts scene including Broadway productions staged in the DuPont Theatre, the oldest, continuously operating theatre in the nation.  While the Grand Opera House schedules more than 100 shows each season ranging from symphony orchestras, operas and ballets to the latest rock,  jazz, folk, family, and comedy artists.

The revitalized Riverfront Wilmington offers visitors a selection of museums, shopping, dining, sports and more.  Wilmington's Riverfront is home to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, a Class-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals Major League Baseball club.

Greater Wilmington is also home to many celebrated ethnic events and music festivals, including the free Clifford Brown Jazz Festival.  Other events include outdoor concerts, and fun-filled evenings under the stars at our local wineries and breweries, fireworks displays, and fountain shows.

Market Street Walking Tour:

Download a self-guided walking tour of downtown Wilmington's Market Street.
Explore the city's history, progress and future plans. 
Popular Attractions

• Brandywine Zoo
• Delaware Art Museum
• Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts
• Delaware Children's Museum
• Delaware History Museum
• Delaware Main Street - Wilmington
  
• Delaware Symphony
• DuPont Theatre
• Grand Opera House
• Hagley Museum and Library
• Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard
• Nemours Mansion & Gardens
• Riverfront Wilmington
• Wilmington Blue Rocks
• World Cafe Live at the Queen
  
  

Area Dining

• Chelsea Tavern
• Dead Presidents Pub & Restaurant
• Deep Blue Bar & Grill
• Domaine Hudson Wine Bar & Eatery
• Green Room at the Hotel DuPont
• Mikimotos Asian Grill & Sushi Bar
• Mrs. Robino's Restaurant
• Piccolina Toscana
• Union City Grille
• Walter's Steakhouse
• Washington Street Ale House

Hotels & Lodging

• Hotel DuPont
• Courtyard by Marriott - Downtown
• Courtyard by Marriott - North Wilmington
• Doubletree Wilmington - Downtown
• Doubletree Hotel - North Wilmington
• Holiday Inn Select - North Wilmington
• Homewood Suites by Hilton - North Wilmington
• Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa
• Sheraton Suites Wilmington

Transportation

• Amtrak at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Railroad Station
• DART First State - Delaware Transit Corporation
• Delaware Express Shuttle & Tours