Famous Firsts

• In 1682, William Penn set foot on the shores of the New World for the first time in what is today New Castle, Delaware.
The purpose of the visit was to lay claim a vast land grant from King Charles II which would eventually become the states of Delaware and Pennsylvania. New Castle, the colonial capital of Delaware, is now a popular destination for visitors.  A number of 18th century homes and public buildings, including one of the oldest courthouses in the U.S., are open to the public.

• What is believed to be the original Stars and Stripes - the 13-star flag sewn by Betsy Ross - was first flown during the
1777 Battle of Cooch's Bridge in Delaware. It was the only Revolutionary War battle fought in the state. The battlefield,
featuring a monument, cannon and plaque, is on Route 4, east of Route 896, in Newark.

• Greater Wilmington, Delaware is home to three of America's oldest churches - Old Swedes (1698), Wilmington; Immanuel on the Green (1708) Historic New Castle and Hockessin Friends Meeting House (1738).

• As a hub of transportation, Delaware was the first to complete a concrete highway running the entire length of the
state (U.S. 13)

• When the government needed to speed the mail, it was a Delaware firm that first provided non-stop airmail service to the nation.

• Wilmington was a major iron-and-steel-working center; here, the first iron ship-building began, the first iron
steamship was launched, and the steel for the entire suspended superstructure of the Brooklyn Bridge was made.