Packet Alley: A Walk Through Time

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Step back in time in New Castle, Delaware, and discover the historic charm of Packet Alley, once a vital link in early American transportation.

Packet Alley in New Castle, Delaware, is a narrow historic passageway that once served as a vital transportation link. Famous figures like Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett passed through here, connecting riverboats to stagecoaches. Today, it's a picturesque reminder of the town's bustling past.

A brief summary to Packet Alley

25 The Strand, New Castle, Delaware, 19720, US

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Take a moment to read the historical plaques along the alley to learn more about its significance.
Combine your visit with a tour of other nearby historical sites in New Castle.

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Getting There

Walking

Packet Alley is located on The Strand in New Castle, Delaware. From the New Castle Court House Museum at 211 Delaware Street, head south on Delaware Street, then turn right onto The Strand. Packet Alley will be on your right at 25 The Strand. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.
Public Transport

Take DART bus route 15 or 51 to New Castle. From the bus stop at Sixth and Delaware Streets, walk towards the waterfront and turn left onto The Strand. Packet Alley will be on your right. A single fare within the city limits is $1.00.
Driving

From I-95, take exit 3A for DE-9 S towards New Castle. Continue on DE-9 S, which turns into N 5th St. Turn left onto The Strand. Packet Alley is located at 25 The Strand on your right. Free on-street parking is available, but be mindful of any parking fees or time restrictions.

Discover more about Packet Alley

Packet Alley, nestled in the historic town of New Castle, Delaware, offers a unique glimpse into the past. This seemingly obscure alley played a significant role in early American transportation, acting as a crucial link between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Founded by the Dutch in 1651, New Castle's strategic location made it a transportation hub, cutting off days of travel around the Chesapeake Bay. In the 1800s, packet boats delivered freight and passengers to New Castle. Southbound travelers would disembark at the wharf near Packet Alley and transfer to stagecoaches bound for Frenchtown, Maryland, and onward to Baltimore and Washington D.C.. Many famous figures, including statesmen like Henry Clay and Andrew Jackson, as well as indigenous leaders like Chief Black Hawk, traversed this path. Packet Alley's importance diminished after a fire in 1824 and the subsequent rise of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and the New Castle & Frenchtown Railroad. While the alley no longer serves its original purpose, it remains a charming reminder of New Castle's vibrant past. Today, visitors can stroll through the alley, imagining the bustling scene of travelers and cargo that once filled this narrow space. The alley is also known for a ghost sign advertising Ivory Soap from the old Boulden's Store.