DELAWARE: THE DIAMOND STATE
BY CLAY LARROY
The
purposes of traveling
are different for different people. There are some people who travel for the
sake of pleasure. The people that are heavily burdened either at their domestic
front or at their offices move too far off places for relieving their worries
and anxieties. The poets and writers make a trip to distant places for
collection of facts for their writings. Businessmen also visit various places
to enquire as to whether there are scopes for expansion of their business.
Travelling provides the benefit of sightseeing and gives pleasure to the
visitor. In addition, it gives a scope to an individual to have firsthand
knowledge of variegated people inhabiting the world. When you want to
plan a vacation contact me!
Delaware
is the second-smallest state in America. Much of the state is rural, with 45km
(28 miles) of coastline. Lewes is a quaint seaside historic town with some
delightful beaches.
Cape
Henlopen State Park is Delaware's largest state park, with its seabird nesting
colony and white sand dunes.
Delaware
was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution, back in 1787. The
state has a rich history - Fort Christina Historic Park is the site of
Delaware's first permanent settlement when Finns and Swedes landed here in
1638.
Its
administrative and commercial center, Wilmington, was founded in the same year.
The city includes museums, galleries, a port and a trolley car system modelled
on the world-famous cable cars in San Francisco.
The
Swedes were the first to formally colonize what is modern day Delaware in 1638,
after wresting control from the Dutch West India Trading Company, who had
established posts for trade with the local Native Americans. The Swedish fort
was near modern day Wilmington and dubbed Fort Christina.
Before
long, the English laid claim to Delaware and led by James the Duke of York,
took control of the region in 1664; he administered Delaware from his other
colony, New York.
A
century later, Delaware became of the 13 colonies that rebelled against the
English crown, and the three counties of Kent, Sussex, and New Castle became
known as Delaware. The colonies won their independence in 1776, and in 1787
created the US Constitution. Delaware was the first state to ratify the
document, giving them the nickname of "The First State."
The
Du Pont family, founders of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, called
Delaware their home after immigrating in 1800. Historically one of America's
richest families, the Du Pont's company produced gun powders and chemicals, all
manufactured at a plant near Wilmington. Today, E. I. du Pont de Nemours &
Co. is still one of the largest employers in the state.
During
the Civil War, however, Delaware, though a slave state, sided with the Union.
However, once the north won the war, Delaware did not abolish slavery like the
majority of the north. The state also voted against the eventually successful
13th amendment that abolished slavery nationwide in 1865.
In
the early 1900s, Delaware's agriculture expanded, and corn and wheat crops
flourished, along with soybeans and poultry. Their agriculture is still today a
huge industry and large supporter of the state economy. During WWII, Delaware's
manufacturing industry improved and expanded as they produced ships, chemicals,
and airplanes for the Allied forces.
In
the 1970s, Delaware's economy took a downward turn, but was quickly revived as
Governor Pierre S. du Pont IV (of the Du Pont family) decreased state spending
and business taxes, which drew many companies including Fortune 500 and
banking, to Delaware.
Things to
see and do in Delaware
Brandywine Valley
Head to Brandywine Valley, home to the
Du Pont mansions and the the Hagley Museum (www.hagley.org),
which explains how this powerful family's fortune was made.
Delaware Art Museum
View the permanent collection of 19th-
and 20th-century American art and Pre-Raphaelite English art of the 19th century
at the Delaware Art Museum (www.delart.org), including works by Edward Hopper,
Howard Pyle and Andrew Wyeth.
Dewey Beach
Go clubbing in Dewey Beach (www.beach-fun.com),
a lively holiday spot with plenty of bars and clubs to keep youthful
holidaymakers happy, as well as opportunities for watersports.
Dover
Explore the capital, Dover, home to
numerous museums, including the Air Mobility Command Museum (www.amcmuseum.org),
with a fascinating collection of planes and military artifacts. Visitors are
invited to test their flying skills in the flight simulator.
Fort Christina Historic
Park
Visit Delaware's first permanent
settlement, Fort Christina Historic Park (www.oldswedes.org),
originally called New Sweden.
Lewes
Relax on the beaches in the historic
seaside town of Lewes, and learn of Delaware's seafaring past that dates back
to the 1600s. East of Lewes go hiking and biking in the Cape Henlopen State
Park (www.destateparks.com), Delaware's largest state
park.
New Castle
Sightsee in historic New Castle (www.newcastlecity.net).
There are some wonderfully preserved buildings, such as the 1732 Old Court
House, which served as the first state capital, and the colonial-style George
Read II House. Enjoy guided historical tours along original cobblestone
streets.
Rehoboth Beach
Enjoy a family day out at Rehoboth
Beach (www.beach-fun.com),
a seaside resort popular for its amusement park (www.funlandrehoboth.com),
1.6km- (1-mile-) long boardwalk, gourmet restaurants and boutique shops.
Bargain hunters will be enticed by the retail outlet shopping that is
available.
Wilmington
Explore the museums, galleries and
port of Wilmington, then take a steam train ride through the Red Clay Valley (www.wwrr.com).
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