Revolutionary Road Trip Through Delaware

Hit the road and explore Delaware through the lens of Emmy-nominated travel host Darley Newman on a journey that brings Revolutionary War history to life. This immersive road trip through Greater Wilmington, Newark, New Castle, and beyond connects you to battlefields, colonial towns, and hidden gems—paired with scenic landscapes, local flavors, and stories that shaped America’s fight for independence. And be sure to watch the full episode of Travels with Darley: Revolutionary Road Trips, Delaware here!

Day 1: Washington’s Trail – Wilmington to Newark

Your journey begins in Wilmington, where the past mingles with the present. Though now known for its performing arts, The Grand Opera House sits atop a Revolutionary-era site that once served as a hospital for troops from both sides of the war. As you stroll by, imagine the urgency and sacrifice that once filled these city blocks, and don't miss the information placard located in the pathway to the left of the building. And if you don't have time to catch a show at this beautiful theater, you can take a virtual tour here.

Head west toward Newark, and history becomes even more tangible. At the Hale-Byrnes House—built in 1750 and still nestled beside White Clay Creek—you’re standing on sacred Revolutionary ground. Here, on September 6, 1777, George Washington held a council of war just days before the Battle of the Brandywine. If you’re lucky enough to catch a tour or living history event, you’ll feel time collapse as interpreters recount that fateful gathering. (Operating times vary, but tours can be made by appointment)

Not far away is the site of Delaware’s only Revolutionary War battle: Cooch’s Bridge. The area is now undergoing preservation with plans to reopen in 2027, but visitors can explore the monument and surrounding grounds. This is where American forces, led by General William Maxwell, clashed with British and Hessian troops in a valiant delaying action.

End the day in Newark, where the historic Deer Park Tavern carries the legacy of the old St. Patrick’s Inn—believed to have hosted Washington himself. Dine in the company of surveyors, soldiers, and statesmen whose ghost stories now blend with the tavern’s colonial charm.

For a nightcap, or alternate dinner plan, return to Wilmington and visit Liquid Alchemy Beverages where you'll find a surprising link to the past. This woman-owned meadery crafts the kind of fermented drinks early American leaders like George Washington and Ben Franklin would have enjoyed. This modern homage to colonial tastes brings Revolutionary history to your glass.

Day 2: Colonial Capital – The Streets of Old New Castle

In the heart of Old New Castle, Delaware’s Revolutionary identity comes into full view. Begin at the New Castle Court House Museum, one of the oldest surviving courthouses in the country and a critical location in Delaware’s fight for independence. On June 15, 1776, legislators met here to formally break from both Pennsylvania and Great Britain, making Delaware the first state to do so.

Just steps away, visit the historic Immanuel Episcopal Church and adjoining graveyard. The church weathered the Revolution’s spiritual storms, transitioning from Anglican ties to its American identity. And the graveyard is the final resting place for many Delaware dignitaries, including Declaration of Independence signer George Read. Around the corner, the Amstel House—once home to the influential Van Dyke family—echoes tales of political plotting, military parades, and Washington’s social visits.

While exploring Old New Castle, be sure to visit the statue of William Penn in the center of The Green. As the founder of Pennsylvania and proprietor of the Delaware territories, Penn played a crucial role in shaping the region’s early governance and promoting religious tolerance. His influence is deeply rooted in Delaware’s colonial identity, and the statue honors his legacy as a visionary of democratic ideals that would later echo through the American Revolution. Just a short walk away, a historical marker near the Delaware River marks William Penn’s landing place when he first arrived in the New World in 1682, making this spot a meaningful starting point in American colonial history.

Enjoy lunch at The Mercury Café and Tea House, a local favorite housed in a building said to have once hosted William Penn. The charm of Old New Castle is found not just in its sites but in its streets—cobblestone paths lead to riverside views and Battery Park, perfect for a post-meal stroll as you picture British ships anchored in the Delaware River.

For a meal that feels like stepping back in time, consider dining at Jessop’s Tavern, a colonial-inspired restaurant located in a 300-year-old building in the heart of Old New Castle. Once a cooper’s home and workshop in the early 1700s, the building has been carefully preserved to reflect its 18th-century roots. Jessop’s serves hearty fare with Dutch, English, Belgian, and Swedish influences—paying tribute to the region’s diverse colonial settlers—and offers an authentic ambiance perfect for history lovers.

Back in Wilmington for the evening, wind down with a stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, where the Christina River reflects the glow of city lights and public art lines the pathway. This revitalized area offers a relaxing end to your day, with waterfront dining options like Big Fish Grill, known for its fresh seafood, or Iron Hill Brewery, a local favorite for craft beer and casual bites. Whether you’re craving comfort food or riverside views, the Riverwalk provides a perfect setting to reflect on the day’s Revolutionary discoveries.

Day 3: Countryside & Resistance – From Brandywine to Odessa

Wilmington’s Hagley Museum and Library may be more closely associated with the industrial era, but its exhibits on American invention show how Revolutionary ideals of independence and innovation sparked lasting change. The Nation of Inventors exhibit places you among dreamers and doers whose ingenuity carried the country forward.

Nature and history intertwine at White Clay Creek State Park, where wooded trails and open meadows mirror the terrain once traversed by Washington’s troops. This landscape—now protected for its beauty and biodiversity—also served as a backdrop for wartime movement and strategic defense. In addition to its natural appeal, the park features a unique Revolutionary-era tie: the Mason-Dixon Line marker. A short hike takes you to the stone marker, where Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania all meet. Here, you can stand in three states at once—a moment both geographically fun and historically rich, as Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon’s boundary survey helped settle colonial land disputes and later came to symbolize the dividing line between North and South.

While in Newark, take time to visit the University of Delaware, which holds notable ties to the Revolutionary War. Originally founded as a small academy in 1743, the institution educated several influential figures, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence—George Read, Thomas McKean, and James Smith. The campus grounds and historical markers reflect this rich heritage, offering an added layer of Revolutionary significance and a glimpse into the educational foundations that helped shape the nation’s early leaders.

South of Newark, make your way to Odessa. Once known as Cantwell’s Bridge, this quiet town was a grain port during the colonial period and now serves as a rare architectural time capsule. The Historic Odessa Foundation maintains a series of impeccably preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes. Walk through the Corbit-Sharp House or Cantwell’s Tavern and imagine patriot meetings in candlelit parlors or trade deals brokered over hot punch.

Dine at Cantwell’s Tavern, where history is on the menu alongside locally sourced dishes. As evening falls, Odessa’s tree-lined streets and flickering lanterns create a fitting end to a day steeped in America’s earliest struggles for freedom.

Optional Day 4: Dover – Delaware’s Revolutionary Resolve

For those wishing to continue the journey beyond the Greater Wilmington area, the state capital of Dover offers compelling Revolutionary connections.

Visit the John Dickinson Plantation, home of the “Penman of the Revolution.” While Dickinson championed liberty through his writings, he also struggled with the contradiction of slave ownership. Today, the site presents a full and nuanced history, telling the stories of those enslaved and indentured alongside those who governed.

The Old State House on Dover’s historic Green stands as a symbol of early American democracy. Inside its Georgian walls, lawmakers debated foundational questions about governance, loyalty, and law. Nearby, the John Bell House offers glimpses into everyday colonial life, while the marker for the Golden Fleece Tavern reveals where wartime committees once plotted Delaware’s path to independence.

Delaware's Revolutionary Past

As your journey through Delaware’s Revolutionary past comes to a close, you’ll leave with more than just photos and souvenirs—you’ll carry the stories of soldiers, statesmen, and everyday citizens who helped shape a nation. From hidden battlefields and colonial taverns to historic courthouses and riverside towns, this itinerary offers a deeper understanding of Delaware’s vital role in America’s founding. Whether you’re preparing for America 250 or simply drawn to the echoes of history, Delaware invites you to stand where history happened—and feel its enduring impact.