First State National Historical Park: A Journey Through Delaware's Founding History

First State National Historical Park is not a single, contiguous park, but rather a collection of sites spread throughout Delaware and a portion of Pennsylvania. These sites together narrate the story of Delaware's pivotal role in the birth of the United States, from its early colonial history to becoming the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The park's sites include : * **Brandywine Valley:** Explore the preserved landscape of an 18th-century English Quaker settlement. Hike the trails and observe the diverse plant and animal life. * **Fort Christina:** Commemorates the spot where Swedish and Finnish colonists first landed in 1638, establishing the New Sweden colony. * **Old Swedes Historic Site:** Visit the Old Swedes Church, one of the oldest surviving buildings from the New Sweden colony, dating back to 1698-1699. Explore the historic burial ground. * **New Castle Court House Museum:** Explore Delaware's first court and state capitol, now a museum. * **The Dover Green:** This historic public space in Dover was the site where Delaware ratified the U.S. Constitution. * **John Dickinson Plantation:** Tour the home of John Dickinson, a Founding Father and known as the "penman of the Revolution". The park offers a variety of activities, including guided tours, self-guided explorations, hiking, and bird watching. Each site has its own operating hours and may have seasonal events.