Beaver Creek Ruins

The ruins along Beaver Creek provide a physical reminder of the industrial history of the Brandywine Valley. The mills in the area provided finished goods that were then shipped around the nation and the world, making the Brandywine Valley a major early center for the Industrial Revolution in the United States.

• NOTE: The ruins along Beaver Creek are extremely unstable and dangerous. Appreciate them from a safe distance by remaining on the trail. The trail along Beaver Creek from the junction nearest the parking lot is wooded on both sides, and in the summer is dense with vegetation. The trail itself is rocky and uneven in places. Approximately 700 feet down the trail you will see the remains of the mill race to your left, parallel to the trail, with Beaver Creek on the other side. Continuing down the trail there are stone foundations and remnants of a wall to the right of the trail, though these can be hard to spot when covered by green plants in warmer months. The house that was built by the Green family in the late 1700s will now be visible on your right. The remains of the structure compose outer walls, approximately 20 feet wide and 40 feet deep. To the top of the remnants of the chimney is approximately 40 feet. The remaining stone walls are mortared loosely. There are spaces that were once windows on all sides, and there are two visible fireplaces left in the chimney. The 2nd floor is gone completely, and there are stone debris scattered inside the footprint of the ruins, as well as on the ground outside. Approximately 50 feet further down the trail, on the left, are the remnants of a 3rd structure, possibly the mill itself. These consist of a low stone wall and foundation, which are also easy to miss when the vegetation is thick. It is made from the same grey stone as the house, and has dimensions that have not been properly measured.

Delaware-Pennsylvania Border Marker

This stone marker is one of many placed by Captain Hodgkins during his 1892 survey of the Twelve-mile Circle, which makes up a large part of the Pennsylvania-Delaware border, and is one of the few circular borders in the United States.

• A stone marker, slightly pyramidic with a flat top measuring 10 inches square, made from grey gneiss stone. The marker has "1/2" carved into its west facing side. It has a height of approximately 25 inches above the ground.

Fort Christina & The Rocks

It was here at The Rocks, in 1638, along the banks of the Christina River over 380 years ago, that the first Swedish and Finnish American settlers aboard the Kalmar Nyckel and the Fogel Grip landed. The wharf of rocks is all that remains of the first landing.

• Fort Christina contains a long narrow rectangular walkway surrounded by trees. At the end of the walk way is a half circle opening with a black granite monument. To the right of the circle are a handful of large tan rocks with anchors in them and the Christina River. Between the circle and the river is a small fence to protect those from falling in.

John Bell House

Walking by the John Bell House today, one may think that it looks out of place, surrounded as it is by dignified government buildings and stately homes of red brick; but despite outward appearances, the structure is one of the most remarkable yet standing in Delaware today. 

• The John Bell house is a small one room cottage with a light pinkish-tannish color siding. It has a single door and one window next to the front door with two windows in the shingles of the roof.

John Dickinson Plantation Visitor Center

The John Dickinson Plantation Visitor Center is the primary orientation space for visitors. Visitors can start their tour by watching a video about John Dickinson, to transport themselves back in time and take a brief look at the stories they will hear more about on their tour.

• The Visitor Center is a wooden building with a shingle roof, modeled after an 18th century feed barn. This gray building has a set of double doors at the end of a short terracotta-colored sidewalk. When facing the double doors from the sidewalk, to the left are two windows near the roofline. To the right of the double doors are three smaller windows, closer to the ground. Not pictured are five additional windows. A light fixture above the double doors and a lamppost close to the sidewalk are two exterior lighting features. Inside of the Visitor Center are two exhibits with text panels: Five Stories: The People & Families of the Plantation and Delaware's Network to Freedom: The John Dickinson Plantation Story.

Mica Mining Pit

The remains of this mica mining pit, active from the mid 1800's-early 1900's, provides evidence of the Brandywine Valley's industrial history. As an important center for the Industrial Revolution within the United States, the Brandywine Valley provided both raw material and finished products to the nation and abroad, including the mica mined here for use in the production of ceramics.

• The mica mining pit area is located down a short trail in a heavily wooded area north of Ramsey Road, at the top of a steeply rising hill in the Brandywine Valley. The ground around the pit, out for some distance, is covered in mica flakes, which look like glassy plastic. There are trails surrounding the pit, and it is not unusual to see hikers and bikers using the area. The trees surrounding the pit are mostly tulip poplar and American beech, and the vegetation is very lush and green in the warmer months. The remains of the pit are roughly triangular, with sides measuring approximately 40-50 feet. It is approximately 10 feet deep, with one lip of the pit lower than the other two. There are still remnants of spoil piles visible surrounding the pit. The soil is somewhat sandy and loose when dry.

New Castle Court House Museum

Built in 1732, the New Castle Court House served as Delaware’s first court and state capitol. Here in 1776, New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties declared their independence from Pennsylvania and Great Britain creating the Delaware State.

• As you park your car you will notice a large red brick building, made up of three wings and two stories, that sits up about two feet from the street. The building has two sets of railed granite steps lead you to the red brick patio, one set to the left and one in front of the central wing. The patio has a black painted cast iron fence across the front with curved and circular designs. As you walk towards the central wing, three more granite steps lead to the large yellow painted wooden double doors that have yellow wooden painted columns on either side. The second story of the central wing has a small balcony with wooden yellow painted railing and same colored door. The central wing of the building is the tallest with two stories and a large yellow painted wooden cupola with brass bell and a walk with yellow painted wooden railing at the top. This wing has a total of eight windows that cover the face, four on the first floor and four on the second. To the left or east is the most recent brick addition to the building. This wing has two stories with gray painted metal door and eight windows, four on the bottom and four on top, with gray painted window shutters. To the right or west of the central wing is another brick addition made up of two stories with one yellow painted wooden door that has several granite steps. This addition only has 7 windows, three on the first floor and four on the second.

Old Swedes Burial Grounds

In 1638, the first Swedish settlers stepped foot on what is now Delaware. Shortly after arrival, they constructed Fort Christina and established the burial grounds at Old Swedes Historic Site prior to the church being built in 1698-1699.

• As you enter Old Swedes Historic Site walking toward the church you will follow a winding brick path shaded by mature sycamore, hackberry, and dogwood shade trees. On both sides of the path you will see historic grave markers from as early as 1698. Along the way are scattered teak benches provided for rest, reflection, and soaking in the peaceful silence. As you pass the south side of the stone church turn right stepping off the path on to the grass. Weave your way down through the weathered gravestones until you come to the French quarter. There you will see the markers of the Bauduy, Garesche, Hammond, and Des Chappelle families. The obelisks and pyramid gravestones are set among the trees and worn down by time. One can barely read the memorial written on the stones remembering these French families who fled from the only successful slave uprising in Santo Domingo and made Wilmington their home.

Old Swedes Church

Old Swedes Church, built by the Swedish Government in 1698 -1699, is considered one of the nation’s oldest church buildings that is still in regular use as house of worship. Originally, the church was established as a Swedish Lutheran Church to support the growing needs of the nearby New Sweden Colony. This building serves as one of the few remaining sites that documents the settlements throughout the Delaware Valley and the establishment the nation.

• As you enter Old Swedes Historic Site you will follow a winding brick path to the church entrance that is shaded by mature sycamore, hackberry, and dogwood shade trees. On both sides of the path you will see historic grave markers from as early as 1698. Along the way are scattered teak benches provided for rest, reflection, and soaking in the peaceful silence. As you wind your way around the last curve you arrive at the church. The first sight you see is the majestic brick bell tower and its contrasting white cupola that stands 30 feet high. The bell tower has three white arched doors with a double hung window above each door. The doors are located on the north, west and south sides of the bell tower, which was added to the original church in 1802. As you move closer to the main structure, a beautiful blue granite church with a clipped gable roof stands before you. A variegated mix of large and small stones creates a lovely pattern of interest on the outer walls. Mortar made of sand mixed with clam and oyster shells sparkling in the dappled sunshine completes the scene. Moving toward the sanctuary entrance, you are greeted by two large roofed stone porticos, situated perpendicular to the 30’ x 60’ church. These serve two purposes: one housing the vestry and one as a covered entrance to the sanctuary. Interestingly, both porticos hold up the ancient church walls bowed out by the heavy arched roof not long after the church was built.

Parking Lot 1 Trailhead

Explore the northern trails and their hidden secrets throughout the northern section of Brandywine Valley.

• A variety of vibrant green floor align the small gavel trail as it travels up a hill.

Parking Lot 2 Trailhead

This trailhead will give you access to the trails near the border of Delaware and Pennsylvania.

• This trail is surrounded by a variety of green flora and passes by some white, 18th-century houses on the right. The trail is made up of dirt and stone that can become slippery when wet.

Parking Lot 4 Trailhead

This trailhead will give you access to trails in the center of the park. These trails are filled with rolling hills and creek crossings.

• A variety of green flora surrounds the dirt trail as you travel up hill. Once you reach "the rocks" you will see the rolling forested hills that make up the Brandywine Valley.

Ramsey Overlook

This place was nicknamed “The Rocks” by park staff after these large boulders were installed in 2016 to provide a natural bench for visitors to sit and reflect as they take in the rolling hills and winding creeks of the greater Brandywine Valley.

• As you sit on the rocks, you will see rolling forested hills, the winding of the Brandywine Creek and agricultural fields. In the fall, you will see a variety of yellows, oranges, and red leaves that color the skyline.

Sheriff's House

The Sheriff’s House was constructed in 1857 on the site of the circa 1793 jail, which is all that remains of Delaware’s first prison system. The Sheriff’s House is the only NPS-owned facility in New Castle, donated by the State of Delaware in 2013 as part of First State National Monument.

• The building is a two-story brown stone building with large double doors on the front.

Smith Bridge Parking Lot Trailhead

The parking lot and trailhead offers visitors a chance to sit by the creek to enjoy a nice meal on the picnic tables provided, fish, or enjoy an easy stroll alongside the creek.

• Small green flora sounds the dirt trail as you follow alongside the Brandywine Creek. This trail will require a road crossing so please be careful as there are blind turns in the road for cars. A sign stands at the beginning of the trail to request that all visitors: dispose of waste properly, keep their dog on a leash of 6-feet or less, and stay on the trail.

The Arsenal

Since the early 1800's the building known as "The Arsenal" has accommodated a variety of activities. Today this building serves as the town visitor center where you can learn more about Historic New Castle, including about this building.

The Dover Green

The Green, laid out in 1717 in accordance with William Penn’s orders, was surrounded by government buildings, shops, homes, and taverns, and quickly became the heart of Dover. It played witness to the American Revolution and, on December 7, 1787, thirty delegates (ten from each county) met on The Green at the Golden Fleece Tavern and ratified the United States Constitution, giving Delaware a place of honor as "The First State."

• The Dover Green is a large rectangular patch of grass with various trees throughout. There is a two-lane road, called South State Street, that splits the large patch of grass in half creating two squares. A red brick sidewalk follows the path of South State Street on each side. Another road called, The Green, encircles the entire rectangle. This area is surrounded by a variety of colonial and Victorian style buildings.

The Old State House

As you take in the exterior of this Georgian-style structure and move among its majestic chambers it is almost possible to hear the echo of patriotic debate, the pleas for justice, the cries for freedom, governors, ordinary citizens, the enslaved and the freeman all made history here in the over two hundred years of the building’s continuous governmental use.

• As you approach the red brick building you will come to seven stairs that lead to the large yellow front door. Above the door is a large window that extends past the door on each side. Adjacent to either side of the front door and window is an additional four individual windows. As your eyes move upwards you will see a large patio with a cupola in the center containing a metal bell.

Sheriff's House Welcome Center

• Sheriff's House Welcome Center
• The Welcome Center is located in Historic New Castle inside the Sheriff’s House. The center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Exhibits in the center share nationally significant stories that shaped the nation’s first state through photos and audio-visual displays. Staff are also available to provide details about visiting partner sites throughout the state.

Connecting the Six Sites

There are many ways you can explore the six sites of First State National Historical Park. This tour will take you on a journey through time, as you discover how the people, places and stories of Delaware are connected across landscapes and legacies.

Industry in the Brandywine Valley

Did you know that the Brandywine Valley was on of the earliest centers of the Industrial Revolution in the United States? From the late 1700s to the mid 1800s, innovators and entrepreneurs working in the Brandywine Valley were at the cutting edge of industrial development. Explore the history of this development and the impacts it had on the nation through this narrated tour.

Slavery and the Underground Railroad in Delaware

This tour is meant to be conducted at your own pace, as the sites mentioned stretch over the length of Delaware. Please be careful when travelling, and make sure to look up the hours and visitor information for each site beforehand. Contact information, hours, and how to make reservations, if they are necessary, can be found both in the First State National Historical Park section of the NPS mobile app and on the Park’s website, at www.nps.gov/frst.