DELAWARE - Wilmington stands as Delaware's largest city, a vibrant hub strategically located between Philadelphia and Washington D.C. While known as a cornerstone of the "First State" – the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution – Wilmington offers much more than colonial history.
Wilmington, Delaware: Where History Meets Business on the Riverfront
It's a major corporate center, a city undergoing exciting revitalization, particularly along its Riverfront, and a place with deep historical roots stretching back centuries before European arrival.
A Rich Tapestry of History
Wilmington's story is layered and significant:
- Indigenous Heritage: Before European settlers arrived, the area was home to the Lenni Lenape people for millennia.
- Colonial Crossroads: The first permanent European settlement in Delaware, New Sweden, was established near present-day Wilmington at Fort Christina ("The Rocks") in 1638. Control later shifted between the Dutch and the English.
- Underground Railroad Hub: Due to Delaware's status as a border state, Wilmington became a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad. Figures like Quaker Thomas Garrett, known as Wilmington's "Stationmaster," helped countless enslaved people journey towards freedom in Pennsylvania. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway runs through the city today.
- The DuPont Legacy: The DuPont family, founders of one of the world's most influential chemical companies near Wilmington in 1802, profoundly shaped the city and the surrounding Brandywine Valley for over 200 years. Their impact is visible in industry philanthropy, and numerous estates transformed into world-class museums and gardens like Hagley and Winterthur nearby.
Modern Wilmington: "Corporate Capital" and Riverfront Revival
Today, Wilmington is renowned for its unique economic status and its revitalized waterfront:
- The Corporate Capital: Delaware's famously advantageous incorporation laws have led to Wilmington becoming the legal home for more than half of all Fortune 500 companies. This makes the city a major corporate law, banking, and credit card industry center.
- Riverfront Wilmington: Once an industrial shipyard area, the banks of the Christina River have been transformed into a dynamic live-work-play destination. The Riverfront boasts numerous restaurants, entertainment venues, the Delaware Children's Museum, the Chase Center on the Riverfront (convention center), minor league baseball (Wilmington Blue Rocks), an IMAX theater, parks, and residential developments. The 1.3-mile Riverwalk path is popular for strolling and jogging.
Culture, Community, and Connections
Beyond business and history, Wilmington offers a growing cultural scene and maintains a distinct character:
- Arts and Entertainment: Explore the Delaware Art Museum, catch a show at the historic Grand Opera House or Live Nation at The Queen, or enjoy the diverse restaurant scene emerging on Market Street, Union Street, and Trolley Square.
- Presidential Ties: Wilmington is the longtime home of President Joe Biden, who famously commuted daily via Amtrak from the city's station (now the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Railroad Station) during his decades serving as a U.S. Senator for Delaware.
- Climate: Wilmington experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and cool, damp winters, enjoying four distinct seasons. Average annual precipitation is around 45 inches.
Exploring Nearby
Just a short drive from the city, in the beautiful Brandywine Valley, lies the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science (formerly the Delaware Museum of Natural History). It is located on Kennett Pike and offers fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, diverse ecosystems, and Delaware's natural history, making it a great addition to a visit to Wilmington.
Wilmington, Delaware, offers a compelling mix of American history, corporate significance, cultural attractions, and ongoing revitalization. From its roots as the first European settlement in Delaware and a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad to its modern identity as the "Corporate Capital" and its vibrant Riverfront district, Wilmington has a rich past and a dynamic future. It's a key hub in the Mid-Atlantic, offering visitors a unique blend of experiences worth exploring.