Delaware Historical Time Line
1609 Henry Hudson in Haelve Maene (Half Moon), while seeking Northwest Passage discovers
Delaware Bay.
1610 Capt. Samuel Argall, Englishman, sails into Bay, names it Delaware after Thomas West,
Lord de Ia Warre Governor of Virginia.
1614 Capt. Cornelis Mey from Manhattan enters Bay, names Fenwick's Island Cape Hindlopen,
present Cape Henlopen he names Cape Cornelis, opposite point Cape Mey.
1615 Capt. Cornelis Hendrkksen explores South River (Delaware) up to Schuylkill.
1621 Dutch West India Co. chartered for trading and colonizng in America.
1623 Capt. Mey sails up Prince Hendricks River (Delaware), builds Dutch trading post, Fort
Nassau, site of Gloucester, N.J.
1629 Holland grants land at Cape Henlopen to S. Blommaert, S. Godyn, David de Vries and
associates, giving them title of Patroons.
1631 Capt. Peter Heycs makes settlement at Zwaanendael on Hoorn Kill (Lewes Creek), 28
men.
1632 Capt. David Pieterssen Dc Vries comes to Zwaanendael, finds colony destroyed, settlers
massacred by Indians.
1637 New Sweden Company organized in Sweden. First expedition in Kalmar Nyckel (Key of
Kalmar) and Fogel Grip (Bird Griffin) sails from Gothenburg, Sweden.
1638 Expedition under command of Peter Minuit arrives in Minquas Kill (Christina River),
disembarks at The Rocks, builds Fort Christina, names river Christina Kill. Colony consists of 23
men, Capt. Mans Kling, Hendrick Huygen commissary. This was the first permanent settlement
of
white men in Delaware and the entire Delaware River Valley.
1640 Two more expeditions arrive, with Peter Hollandaer as Governor of the colony, Rev.
Reorus
Torkillus, the first clergyman, and a few involuntary immigrants.
1641 Fourth expedition arrives, with Herr Christoffer, a clergyman and 35 colonists including a
number of Finns.
1643 Fifth Swedish expedition arrives with Lt. Col. Johan Printz, new Governor, Rev. John
Campanius and more involuntary immigrants. Printz builds Fort Elfsborg at Varckens Kill, N.J.,
Fort New Gothenburg at Tinicum, Pa. and a blockhouse at Upland (Chester), establishes a
tobacco
plantation on the Schuylkill; population now 118. First law court held at Tinicum.
1644 Sixth Swedish expedition arrives with more involuntary immigrants, but losses by death
and
by those returning to Sweden reduce population to 98.
1646- Seventh Swedish expedition arrives, with trade goods, hut only a few colonists. Printz
expels
Dutch settlers, from New Amsterdam, at Schuylkill.
1648. Eighth expedition arrives with trade-goods, but few settlers. Now only 79 men in the
colony,
of whom only 28 are farmers-but the Swedes control the River.
1649 Ship Kattan (The Cat), bringing supplies and settlers, wrecked near Porto Rico.
1651 Gov. Picter Stuyvesant of New Amsterdam sends fleet of 11ships to the River, marches
overland with 120 soldiers, occupies Sandhook (New Castle), builds and garrisons Fort Casimir
there. Dutch thus control the River.
1653- Printz resigns governorship, returns to Sweden. 36 families at Casimir; population of New
Sweden decreasing.
1654 - Many Swedish settlers arrive, with Johan Rising as Governor. He takes Fort Casimir
from
Dutch. Population of New Sweden now 368. More land cleared, new farms established, first
roads
made, a village, Christianahamn, laid out behind Fort Christina. Fort Casimir, now Fort
Trefaldighet, garrisoned by Swedes. Swedes now control River. Tenth Swedish expedition
misses Delaware Bay, arrives at Manhattan and is seized by Stuyvesant.
1655. Stuyvesant returns with 7 armed ships and 300 soldiers. Fort Trefaldighet's little garrison
surrenders; it becomes again Fort Casimir. The Dutch then besiege Fort Christina and burn
Christinahamn. After 12 days the fort is surrendered. The Dutch hold all the River. So ends New
Sweden.
1656 - Ship Mercurius from Sweden arrives with 110 new settlers. Jean Paul Jacquet, Dutch
Vice-Director of the colony, refuses permission to land, but they disembark at Tinicum.
1657. The colony is divided. Fort Casimir and the town beside it, New Amstel, become seat of
government for territory below Christina, Fort Christina, now Fort Altena, for northern part.
Jacob Alrichs, new Director, with 125 Dutch settlers, including Evert Pietersen, first
schoolmaster,
arrives at New Amstel, now the metropolis of the Delaware with "about 100 houses."
1658 Trading post established at Hoorn Kill (Lewes).
1659 Dissatisfaction, hunger and disease depopulate New Amstel. Scarcely 30 families remain.
Lord Baltimore claims ownership of western shore of Delaware. Stuyvesant sends Augustine
Herrman and Resolved Waidron to discuss the matter with Gov. Fendall of Maryland, without
satisfactery results.
1662 Peter Plockhoy from Holland establishes Mennonite colony at Cape Henlopen
1663 Upper colony, above Christisa River, still Swedish in character, with a population. of about
700, mostly farmers, "110 good farms". The two colonies are politically consolidated.
1664 Charles II grants land in America, from Maine to New Jersey inclusive, to his brother
James,
Duke of York. English fleet takes New Amsterdam. Two ships, under Sir Robert Carr, come
down
to Delaware River and take possession of upper colony without resistance. Fort Casimir resists.
After two broadsides from the ships, English storm and capture the fort, 3 Dutch killed, 10
wounded; name changed to New Castle. English hold all the River. Carr "destroys quaking
colony
of Plockhoy to a naile".
1667 Sir Francis Lovelace Governor of Duke of York's territory, Carr deputy governor of
Delaware colony.
1669 Konigsmark, "the Long Finn", attempts insurrection against English rule; transported to
Barbadoes.
1671 Indian malefactor shot and hung in chains in New Castle.
1673 Courts established at Upland, New Castle and Hoorn Kill. War between England and
Holland; Dutch fleet re-takes New York; Delaware colonies submit.
1674 Treaty of Westminster returns New York and the Delaware to English. So ends Dutch rule
on the River. Duke of York appoints Sir Edmund Andros as Governor of New York and its
Dependencies, including Delaware territory.
1676 New Castle offers bounty of 40 guilders for wolf heads. Duke of York's Code of Laws
formally promulgated by Andros.
1680 Hoornkill County divided into St. Jones County (Kent) and Deal County (Sussex). First
Court for St. Jones County held. Erection of log Courthouse at Hoornkill (Lewes) authorized, to
cost
5000 pounds of tobacco.
1681 Pennsylvania granted to William Penn by King Charles II
1682 Duke of York grants Delaware Counties to Penn. Penn arrives in ship Welcome at
New Castle, October 27th, receives possession by tokens of and twig, water and soil. His deputy,
William Markham, similarly receives possession of two lower counties. First General Assembly
of
"Provicence of Pennsylvania and Three Lower Counties on the Delaware" meets at Upland. Penn
gives present names to Kent and. Sussex.
1684. Col. George Talbot, on behalf of Lord Baltimore, claimng Three Lower Counties, builds
small fort near present town of Christiana. Population of Three Lower Counties about
4,000.
1688. Kent County Court removed to "James Maxwell's ordinary, site of Dover.
1689. Immanuel Episcopal Church, New Castle, founded.
1690 "Hundreds" first established by Provincial Council. Fairs established in New Castle,
May
and September.
1691 Government of Three Lower Counties separated from the Province; William Markham
appointed Deputy Governor.
1692 Benjamin Fletcher, Governor General at New York, appointed by William and Mary
Captain General and Governor in Chief over Pennsylvania and Three Lower Counties.
1693 Fletcher appoints William Markham Lieut. Governor.
1694 William and Mary restore Penn's colonies to him; he appoints William Markham his Lieut.
Governor.
1696 New "constitution" adopted by General Assembly.
1697 Kent County's second court-house built at Dover on site of present State House. Erick
Biork,
Andreas Rudman and Jonas Aureen come from Sweden as missionaries of Lutheran church.
1698. Pirates sack Lewes, capture vessel off New Castle.
1699 Old Swedes' Church dedicated, Trinity Sunday, July 4th.
1700. Assembly of Pennsylvania and Delaware counties meets at New Castle, enacts famous
"New
Castle laws".
1701 Penn grants new constitution for his Province and the Delaware counties, allowing separate
assemblies. Isaac Taylor and Thomas Pierson, surveyors, establish 12 Mile Circle boundary.
1703 Welsh Baptists settle on Welsh tract between Newark and Glasgow.
1704 General Assembly for Delaware Counties meets at New Castle, William Rodney of Kent
speaker. Immanuel Church built in New Castle.
1707 Fort built at New Castle to compel all vessels to "report and receive leave to pass.
1708 Philadelphia businessmen protest this control.
1709 Nine Delaware Assemblymen petition English separation from Province of
Pennsylvania.
1713 Rev. Andreas Hesselius from Sweden suceeds Rev. Erick Biork in Old Swedes'
Church.
1716 Wm. Keith commissioned Lieut. Governor.
1717 Dover Green laid out in accordance with Penn's order of 1683.
1718 Penn dies. Old Swedes' Church receives gift of communion service from Falun Mining Co.
of Sweden. Pirates commit depredations in River.
1719 William Keith commissioned Governor.
1722 Third court-house at Dover built on site of old one.
1726 Patrick Gordon commissioned Lieut. Governor.
1727 John, Thomas and Richard Penn become Proprietaries of the Province and the Delaware
Counties. General Assembly establishes regular system of law and equity courts.
1731 Thomas Willing founds Willingtown on land received from father-in-law, Andrew
Justison,
between French and West Streets, Wilmington.
1732. First house in Willingtown built, N.W. corner Front and Market. Commissioners
appointed
by Penn and Lord Baltimore agree on boundaries between Delaware and Maryland.
1735 William Shipley buys land, Second to Fifth and Market to West Streets, from Andrew
Justison, builds three-story brick mansion, S.W. corner 4th and Shipley Streets, Wilmington.
1736 Willingtown has 33 houses.
1738 Thomas West builds house on Quaker Hill, N.W. Corner 5th and West Streets
1739 Wilmington incorpbrated as a borough, William Shipley first Chief Burgess.
1740 Bill in General Assembly to raise one thousand pounds to pay for "victualling and
transporting" Delaware troops in England's war with Spain. First Presbyterian Church and first
sea-going vessel built in Wilmington.
1743 New London Academy, forerunner of University of Delaware, established by Rev. Francis
Alison at New London, Pennsylvania.
1747 French and Spanish privateers commit depredations along River in War of Austrian
Succession.
1748 The Rocks fortified to defend Wilmington against French and Spanish privateers.
Nanticoke
Indians migrate to Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania.
1749 Rev. Israel Acrelius comes from Sweden to succeed Rev. Peter Tranberg (died 1748) in Old
Swedes' Church.
1750 Lord Chancellor Hardwicke decrees Delaware-Maryland boundaries in accordance with
agreement of 1732.
1751 New seal adopted bearing arms of King of England and legend "Counties on the
Delaware".
1754 General Assembly passes bill to raise one company of troops for His Majesty's service and
to
establish militia for defense in French and Indian War.
1758 Charter granted for town at Newark, fair to be held in April and October, also weekly
market.
1759 John McKinly Chief Burgess of Wilmington, James Hamilon Lieut. Governor.
1763 Lord Baltimore and Thomas and Richard Penn employ Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon,
English 'surveyors, to establish boundaries.
1764 John Vining succeds Ryves Holt as Chief Justice.
1765 Caesar Rodney and Thomas McKean attend "Stamp Act Congress" in New York as
delegates from Delaware to protest against the Act.
1766 Rodney, McKean and George. Read appointed by Assembly to prepare address to George
III
expressing loyalty of Delaware Counteis and gratitude for repeal of Stamp Act.
1767 The Alison Academy removed to Newark by its principal, Rev. Alexander McDowell.
Mason and Dixon finish their boundary work.
1768 Rodney, McKean and Read appointed committee to draw up address to George III
protesting
against Townshend Act.
1769 Delaware merchants sign Non-Importation Agreement, not to sell English goods nor trade
with any who do so. New Ark Academy, forerunner of University of Delaware,
incorporated.
1770 Rev. Laurence Girelius succeeds Rev. Andrew Borreil as pastor of Old Swedes'
Church.
1774 Rodney, McKean and Read delegates to First Continental Congress, Philadelphia Sept. 5.
Meetings to protest British tyranny held in Lewes, Dover and New Castle.
1775 Rodney, McKean and Read delegates to Second Continental Congress, Philadelphia, May
10.
1776 General Assembly at New Castle passes resolution (June 15) declaring Delaware
independent of British Crown. Rodney rides all night (July 1-2) from Dover to Philadelphia to
vote
on resolution for independence. Rodney and McKean cast Delaware's vote (July 2) for the
resolution and (July 4) for Declaration of Independence. Convention at New Castle adopts first
State constitution. Brig Nancy of Wilmington, Capt. Hugh Montgomery, first ship to hoist
American
flag in foreign port. British warships, Roebuck and Liverpool, in Delaware River; fight (May 8)
between them and small boats off Wilmington, ships withdrew down the River; Lewes
bombarded.
The Rocks at Wilmington again fortified. Picture of George III burnt on Dover Green. First State
troops mustered in, Col. John Haslet, Lt. Col Gunning Bedford, Major John McPherson and 800
men; leave Dover for war. Delaware troops nicknamed "Blue Hen's Chickens". Delaware troops,
in defeat in Battle of Long Island, among the last to leave the field-not until "an express order
from
the General commanded them to retreat."
1777 Dover made capital, Kent County Court House, built 1775, becomes State House. John
McKinly elected first President of Delaware State. Gen. Samuel Patterson's militia mutinies in
Philadelphia, demanding higher wages. Col. Haslet killed in Battle of Princeton (Jan. 3). British,
18,000 strong, under Gen. Howe, land at Elkton, Md., advance through Delaware. Washington's
army, 12,000, posted near Stanton. American light infantry, under Gen. Maxwell, meets advance
British forces in fight at Cooch's Bridge. Washington withdraws forces to Chadd's Ford. British
Army passes through Newark (Sept. 8). Battle of Brandywine, Col. Hall's Delaware regiment
engaged, Major Lewis Bush of Delaware killed; defeat of Americans. Wilmington occupied by
British troops; P?esident McKinly captured. Thomas McKean becomes acting President, then
George Read. Colonel Hall severely wounded in Battle of Germantown.
1778. Caesar Rodney elected President of State, succeding McKinly. Delaware troops in Battle
of
Monmouth; winter (1777-1778) in Wilmington.
1779. Delaware ratifies Articles of Confederation. Capt. Allen McLane's Delaware company in
capture of Powles Hook (July 19).
1780. First Delaware Regiment of Continental Army, Lt. Col. Vaughn, Major John Patten,
Senior
Capt. Kirkwood, 800 men, in DeKalb's army in Southern Campaign. In disastrous Battle of
Camden, Delawares withstand Lord Rawdon's furious charge. DeKalb on his death-bed writes
about
"the gallant behavior of the Delaware regiment," who stood their ground although 265 were
killed
or wounded. Lt. CoL Vaughn and Major Patten captured; Kirkwood commands remnant bf 175
men, who are then brigaded with Maryland and Virginia under General Smallwood.
1781. At Cowpens, when front line breaks, Smallwood's brigade stands fast and saves the day;
British defeated. At Guilford Court House the brigade again holds the line when militia retreats,
again wins tht battle. Special mention in dispatches of "the old Delaware company under brave
Capt. Kirkwood." After Battle of Hobkirk's Hill, Delaware again cited for "gallant
behavior."
1783. Delaware troops home from Southern Campaign. Nicholas Van Dyke elected President of
State succeeding John Dickinson, resigned, who had been elected in 1781, succeeding Caesar
Rodney.
1784 - Caesar Rodney dies at his home, Poplar Grove near Dover, June 26th.
1785. Oliver Evans builds, near Newport, first flour-mill equipped with his labor-saving
machinery.
Barratt's Chapel, "Cradle of Methodism," built. John Dickinson chairman of Annapolis
Convention.
George Read, Gunning Bedford, Jr., John Dickinson, Richard Bassett and Jacob Broom
Delaware
delegates to Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia (May 14 to Sept.17). Delaware ratifies
Constitution in Convention (Dec. 3 to 7) at Dover; "First State." Delaware grants patent to
John Fitch for steamboat.
1788 - First Delaware U. S. Senators George Read and Richard Bassett, first Representative in
Congress John Vining elected.
1789. Joshua Clayton (Federalist) elected last President of State under first State Constitution.
Charles Thomson of Newark, Secretary of Congress, 1774-89, goes to Mt. Vernon to inform
George Washington officially of his election as President.
1790. Delaware tatifies eleven of first twelve amendments to Federal Constitution. Population of
State 59,096. Proposal to make Wilmington national capital fails when Jefferson and Hamilton
agree on District of Columbia.
1791. Fourth Kent County court-house built, State sharing expense in order to use building as
State
House. State convention meets in Presbyterian Church, Dover, to frame second State
Constitution,
John Dickinson President of Convention.
1792 Second State Constitution adopted (June 12).
1793 Delaware votes for Washington as President. Joshua Clayton inaugurated first Governor
under new Constitution, William Killen first Chancellor, George Read first Chief Justice. Louis
Philippe, afterwards King of France, sojourns in Wilmington.
1796 Bank of Delaware, first in the State, incorporated. GeneralAssembly passes first act for
establishment of fund for public schools.
1797 Delaware votes for John Adams (Federalist) for President. Yellow fever epidemic in
Philadelphia, many refugees in Wilmington.
1798 Old Town Hall in Wilmington built.
1800 Delaware votes for John Adams (Federalist) as President. Population of State 64,273.
1802 Yellow fever epidemic in Wilmington. E. L duPont de Nemours buys land for powder-milk
near Wilmington from Jacob Broom for $6,740. Building of mills begun.
1803 Delaware and Chesapeake Canal begun.
1804 Delaware votes for Charles C. Pinckney (Federalist) for President.
1807 Federal government calls on Delaware for 814 militia. Wilmington public meeting
expresses
indignation and abhorrence at attack by British sloop-of-war Leopard on American frigate
Chesapeake. Meeting at Lewes resolves that aggressions of Great Britain excite abhorrence and
cheerfully anticipates a State of War.
1808 Federal government calls (November 15) on Delaware for 1332 militia.
1810 Population of State 72,674.
1812 U. S. House of Representatives votes for declaration of war on Great Britain; Henry M.
Ridgely, Delaware representative votes "No". Governor Haslet sends (January 7) message to
legislature calling for preparation for a crisis and for minds firmly and valorously bent on facing
the
conflict. Legislature authorizes purchase of arms and equipment. Delaware's quota 10,000. Fort
built at Rocks to defend Wilmington. Sloop-of-war Wasp, Capt. Jacob Jones of Delaware,
captures
British sloop-of-war Frolic (October 18); victory acclaimed throughout nation. Delaware River
"swarms with American privateers." Delaware votes for DeWitt Clinton (Federalist) for
President.
1813 British fleet blockades Bay and River, bombards Lewes (April 6) because of refusal of Col.
Samuel B. Davis, Commander of American troops, of demand for fresh provisions. 1,000 men
assemble to defend Lewes, including Wilmington troop of horse; attempted landing repulsed;
powder supplied by duPont; British capture small vessels, commit depredations on shore. Specie
in
Wilmington and New Castle banks sent to Philadelphia for safety. Pea Patch Island (Fort
Delaware)
ceded to U. S.
1814 Commodore Thomas Macdonough of Delaware, in command of American fleet, defeats
British fleet on Lake Champlain. Victory celebrated throughout the nation. Treaty of Ghent
ending
war signed by James A. Bayard with the other American commissioners to negotiate a
peace.
1816 Delaware votes for Rufus King (Federalist) for President.
1820 Delaware votes for James Monroe (Democratic-Republican) for President Population of
State
72,749.
1824 Delaware Electors give one vote for John Quincy Adams, two for William H. Crawford for
President. Town Hall, New Castle, built. Lafayette visits Wilmington, received with honors in
Old
Town Hall.
1828 Delaware votes for John Quincy Adams (National Republican) for President.
1829 First State general public school law passed. Delaware and Chesapeake Canal opened (July
4).
1830 Population of State 76,748.
1831 Third State Constitution adopted. Legislature votes opposition to slave trade.
1832 Delaware votes for Henry Clay (National Republican) for President. Wilmington chartered
as a city. New Castle and Frenchtown Railroad opened.
1834 New Ark Academy becomes Newark College. Memorial funeral procession (May 20) in
honor of Lafayette dead.
1836 Delaware votes for Wm. Henry Harrison (Whig) for President.
1838 Brandywine Springs Hotel, accommodating 1,000 built.
1840 Delaware votes for Wm. Henry Harrison (Whig) for President. Population of State
78,185.
1843 Newark College becomes Delaware College.
1844 Delaware votes for Henry Clay (Whig) for President.
1846 Secretary of War calls for volunteers for Mexican War; Delaware quota 390; few
responses.
1848 Delaware votes for Zachery Taylor (Whig) for President
1849 John M. Clayton appointed U. S. Secretary of State.
1850 John M. Clayton signs Clayton-Bulwer Treaty with Great Britain. Population of State
91,532.
1852 Delaware votes for Franklin Pierce (Democrat) for President
1856 Delaware votes for James Buchanan (Democrat) for President.
1859 Lammot duPont discovers use of nitrate of soda in gunpowder.
1860 Delaware votes for John C. Breckinridge (Democrat) for President Population of State,
112,216; 19,287 are free Negroes, 1,798 slaves.
1861 Legislature votes not to secede from Union. DuPonts refuse to sell powder to Confederate
States. Federal government calls for troops (April 14); Delaware's quota one regiment, 780 men.
Union demonstration in Old Town Hall (April 16). Wilmington appropriates $8,000 for defense.
Union meetings throughout State. Volunteers called for (April 25). First regiment complete
(May
20) for three months' service.; 1st, 2nd and 3rd Delaware regiments, three years' service,
mustered in.
Meeting on Dover Green opposing war (June 27), 1500 present. Land and naval forces under
General Sherman and Commodore S. F. duPont achieve victory at Port Royal, South Carolina.
Lincoln tries to arrange for manumission of all Delaware slaves, Federal government to pay $500
each; caucuses disclose lack of ma jonty of legislature to pass necessary act, one man holding
out
against plan.
1862 Federal government orders draft for 300,000 men, Delaware's quota 3,340; time for draft
extended to allow securing volunteers; funds raised to pay bounties for volunteers and quota
filled.
In election, polls in State are policed by U.S. provost marshals; much complaint about this.
1863 Volunteers not sufficient to meet requirements, draft is made; 2,454 drafted; allowed to buy
off at $300 each. Martial law in force because of Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania. Natharnel B.
Smithers (Union Party) elected Congressman with aid of Federal troops, Democrats declining to
vote.
1864 Delaware votes for George B. McClellan (Democrat) for President. First State debt created,
$1,000,000. Four Delaware regiments, 1st Delaware Battery and 1st Delaware Cavalry mustered
out of service, terms expired. Delaware troops during the war fought in battles of Fair Oaks,
Gaines' Mill, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, Wilderness,
Spottsylvania,
North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station and Boydton
Road. New draft takes 1,676 men. 'Provost marshals again police elections against strong
opposition. Fort Union built at The Rocks. U. S. Senate requires all senators to take oath of
loyalty;
James A. Bayard takes oath and then resigns, denying constitutionality of required oath.
1865 Delaware legislature refuses to ratify Thirteenth Amendment.
1867 Delaware legislature refuses to ratify Fourteenth Amendment.
1868 Delaware votes for Horatio Seymour (Democrat) for President.
1869 Delaware legislature refuses to ratify Fifteenth Amendment.
1870 Population of State 125,015.
1872 Delaware votes for U. S. Grant (Republican) for President.
1874 Fifth Kent County Courthouse built -and present Old State House becomes Capitol
exclusively.
1876 Delaware votes for Samuel J. Tilden (Democrat) for President.
1879 New Castle County seat removed to Wilmington.
1880 Delaware votes for Winfield S. Hancock (Democrat) for President. Population of State
146,608.
1884 Delaware votes for Grover Cleveland (Democrat) for President.
1885 Thomas F. Bayard appointed U. S. Secretary of State.
1888 Delaware votes for Grover Cleveland (Democrat) for President.
1890 Population of State 168,493.
1892 Delaware votes for Grover Cleveland (Democrat) for President.
1893 Thomas F. Bayard appointed first Ambassador to Great Britain. Circular northern
boundary
re-surveyed by Pennsylvania-Delaware Commission.
1896 Delaware votes for William McKinley (Republican) for President.
1898. Delaware responds to McKinley's call for volunteers for Spanish-Amencan War,
appropriates $30,000. First Delaware Regiment in camp at Middletown, Del., then Middletown,
Pa.
1900 Delaware votes for William McKinley (Republican) for President.
1901 Delaware ratifies 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to U.S. Constitution on Lincoln's
birthday.
1902 Death of Eugene duPont, President of duPont Company. Company reorganized as E. I.
duPont de Nemours & Company by T. Coleman duPont, Alfred I. duPont and Pierre S. duPont;
commences acquisition of other explosive manufacturing companies.
1905 Punishment by pillory abolished.
1908 Delaware votes for William H. Taft (Republican) for President.
1909 State House restored and new wing added.
1910 DuPont Company enters textile business, Fabrikoid.
1915 Great expansion of duPont Company rendered necessary by demands for powder by the
Allies.
1917 DuPont Company supplies U. S. with powder in great quantities; expands into paint,
chemical and dye fields, also automobile interests.
1919 DuPont Company's strictly war-time plants dismantled. New School Code enacted.
1920 Delaware votes for Warren G. Harding (Republican) for President. Population of State
223,003.
1921 Delaware College becomes University of Delaware.
1924 Delaware votes for Calvin Coolidge (Republican) for President.
1928 Delaware votes for Herbert C. Hoover (Republican) for President.
1932 Delaware votes for Herbert C. Hoover (Republican) for President. Three hundredth
anniversary of Dutch settlement at Zwaanendael celebrated by erection and dedication of
Zwaanendael House at Lewes.
1933 New Legislative Hall built at Dover, cost $748,306.
1935 Delaware Swedish Tercentenary Commission appointed to make plans for celebration in
1938.
1936 U. S. Congress authorizes appointment of U. S. Delaware Valley Tercentenary Commission
and minting of 25,000 commemorative half-dollars. Delaware votes for Franklin D. Roosevelt
(Democrat) for President.
1937 Delaware Tercentenary Commission appointed; The Rocks acquired by State for park.
1938 Celebration of the three-hundredth anniversary of first permanent civilized settlement in
Delaware by the Swedes.
Capt. Hugh Montgomery of Wilmington was master of the brig Nancy, which in the winter of
1775, was chartered by Robert Morris, the financier of the Revolution, to take in arms and
ammunition at ports in the West Indies for the approaching conflict. These had to be got secretly
at various places. While at St. Thomas in the following Summer, Capt. Montgomery had news
of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of an American flag. One of the crew made
a copy of the new colors and, with proper ceremony and a salute of 13 guns, the British flag was
hauled down and the new ensign hoisted. This is believed to have been the first display of the
American flag in a foreign port.