Delaware is a little short on land, but it's long on water—much of it borders the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, its southern beaches and beach towns are a big draw. All have sand and sea, but they are remarkably varied, ranging from tranquil stretches of protected shoreline to low-key resort towns to busy vacation centers such as Rehoboth Beach.

There are some interesting things to do away from the water, as well. Northern Delaware has a strong list of cultural attractions, including the remarkable Winterthur Museum in the Brandywine Valley, one of several attractions initially owned by the du Pont family.

Given its compact size and many things to see, Delaware can provide travelers with a lot of activities in just a few days' time. Those with a week or more will find the Delaware shore a relaxing place to linger—or they might consider seeing the state as part of a larger tour that includes Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey.

Geography

History

The Lenni-Lenape tribe, also known as the Delaware, lived along the shores of Delaware Bay before Europeans arrived. The tribe's domain extended into parts of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. In winter, they gathered in longhouses, and in summer, the tribe cultivated corn in its hunting and fishing camps.

Henry Hudson was the first European explorer to see Delaware, and he claimed the territory for the Dutch in 1609. The first Dutch settlers were massacred by the Native Americans soon after establishing a settlement near present-day Lewes in 1631. Swedish immigrants were the next to try their luck, founding their New Sweden colony near present-day Wilmington. The Dutch later took control of the Swedish settlement and struggled against the British for control of the area. The British finally won out in 1664, and Delaware eventually fell under the rule of Pennsylvania. However, by 1704, the Delaware colonists had established their own legislature.

The state had a significant impact on the development of the U.S. when, in 1776, Delaware's Caesar Rodney cast the deciding vote for the Declaration of Independence. In 1787, Delaware representatives were the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution, which is why the state's nickname is The First State.

With a highly developed infrastructure of canals and waterways and ample power from its many waterfalls, Delaware was one of the first states to support heavy industry. Today, cities such as Wilmington and Dover still thrive on chemical processing and manufacturing (agriculture is practiced mainly in the state's southern half). Also, Delaware's industry-friendly banking laws have drawn many major banks to set up credit-card operations there. The lack of a state sales tax also makes it attractive to visitors.

Snapshot

Delaware's main attractions include beaches, historic sites, architectural restorations, museums, art galleries, bicycling, the Brandywine Valley, car and horse races, the Winterthur Museum, gardens, fishing, watersports and tax-free shopping.

Travelers interested in beaches and watersports will find them primarily in the southern half of the state. Those looking for history, museums, city life, architecture and outdoor recreation may prefer the northern section. Travelers who seek wide-open spaces, however, may find the state less to their liking—it's only 96 mi/154 km long and no more than 35 mi/56 km wide.

Potpourri

Just slightly more than 11 mi/18 km long, the Delaware Turnpike (the section of Interstate 95 that crosses the neck of Delaware between the Delaware Memorial Bridge and the Maryland state line) is part of a stretch of I-95 dedicated by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy just a week before his assassination.

The Mason-Dixon Line, the traditional dividing line separating the North and South that is usually thought of as running east and west along the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland, actually turns in a north-south direction to designate the major part of the boundary between Delaware and Maryland. Mapped by 18th-century English surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, it extends from Pennsylvania to Delaware's southwest corner, where it meets the Transpeninsular Line that forms Delaware's southern boundary with Maryland.

Delaware played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, with at least three routes weaving through the state. Led by Harriet Tubman, many slaves escaped along these routes. Woodburn, the present-day Governor's Mansion, is rumored to have been a stop.

The town of Laurel, in southwestern Delaware, has more than 800 Victorian houses—most in pristine condition.

Delaware seems to have its fair share of ghosts: This first occupant of what is now the Governor's Mansion was known as a heavy drinker. His spirit reportedly wanders at night finishing up any wine left in glasses. Fiddler's Hill, southwest of Lewes, is said to be inhabited by the spirit of a young musician. Some claim that his playing can still be heard on certain nights.

Because of their valiant battlefield actions during the Revolutionary War, Delaware troops became known as Blue Hen's Chickens, an allusion to the fierce fighting cocks mothered by blue hens. The nickname was later given to all residents of the state.

Prior to manufacturing such products as nylon, cellophane and Teflon, the chemical giant DuPont Co. manufactured gunpowder. E.I. du Pont, who emigrated to the U.S. after the French Revolution, earned some of his fortune by selling gunpowder during the War of 1812.

The movie Dead Poets Society, starring Robin Williams, was filmed at St. Andrew's prep school in Middletown.

Delaware is named after Sir Thomas West, otherwise known as Lord de la Warr. He was a leader of the Jamestown settlers and governor of Virginia in the early 1600s and led the campaign against the Powhatan tribe.