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
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Historic New Castle
New Castle, Delaware was originally settled by the Dutch West India Company in 1651 under the leadership of Peter Stuyvesant. Originally named Fort Casmir, the town changed name and ownership several times over the next 30 years and through the second and third Anglo-Dutch wars. It wasn't until 1680 that New Castle was conveyed to William Penn by the Duke of York and served as his landing place and where he first set foot on American soil on October 27, 1682.
The transfer of New Castle to William Penn raised disputes over boundary lines and was hotly contested by Lord Baltimore. The dispute led to a property survey conducted by Mason and Dixon - now famed in history for the Mason-Dixon Line.
Today, Historic New Castle, Delaware is located just 10 minutes south of downtown Wilmington, encompasses 3.2 square miles and is home to approximately 4,900 residents. Overlooking the Delaware River, Historic New Castle is the oldest, continuously occupied town in the Delaware Valley. And, thanks to the efforts of legendary preservationist, Louise du Pont Crowninshield, this vibrant, fully occupied community remains one of the most important Colonial/Federal villages in America - second only to Williamsburg, Virginia in the number and authenticity of its historic structures.
Popular Attractions
- Amstel House
- Dutch House
- New Castle Court House Museum
- Old Library Museum
- Our Lady Queen of Peace Shrine
- Read House & Garden
Area Dining
- Augusta Grille Restaurant & Lounge

- Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant
- Jack's Bistro at the David Finney Inn
- Kegler's Pub & Sports Bar


