About This Park
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.
Activities
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Photos
John Dickinson is most famously known as the "Penman of the Revolution" at this site, visitors learn the stories of the many residents: tenant farmers, indentured servants, free and enslaved Black men, women, and children and the Dickinson family.
Credit: NPS Photo
Old Swedes Historic Site contains burials that can be traced back to the original settlement of the Swedes.
Credit: NPS Pohto
The New Castle Court House Museum was the first court of Delaware and has seen a variety of significant moments in history.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Brandywine Valley unit is most known for its recreational opportunities.
Credit: NPS Photo
This site commernmates the Swedes original landing and the fort that once stood in the area.
Credit: NPS Photo
Plan Your Visit
New Castle Court House Museum
211 Delaware Street, New Castle DE 19720 The New Castle Court House Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday 10:00AM to 4:00PM, and Sunday 1:30PM to 4:30PM with tours being offered every hour. Please be aware that during tours the New Castle Court House Museum does lock their doors, they re-open the doors at the next available tour time. The New Castle Court House Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Old Swedes Historic Site
Old Swedes Historic Site is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00am to 3:00pm. Tours are available by reservation and have a small fee: Adult $12, Student (6-15) $7, under 6 free and members free. Self-Guided Cemetery Tour, $5. Old Swedes Historic Site is a partner organization to the National Park Service and does not receive NPS funds. As such, they cannot honor National Parks Annual Passes. You can book your tour by visiting their website.
Fort Christina
The park is open weekends until October 26, from 10:00am-4:00pm. Visits by appointment are available during closed hours throughout the fall, winter, and spring, pending staff availability. To schedule an appointment, call 302-429-7447 with any questions.
Brandywine Valley
The Brandywine Valley is open sunrise to sunset and is free to access. *From Memorial Day to Labor Day, on weekends and holidays, the Smith Bridge Parking Lot is converted to loading/unloading and accessible parking. A larger field lot on the corner of Brandywine Creek Rd. and Ramsey Rd. is open during this time to accommodate visitor parking.
The Dover Green
The Dover Green is open sunrise-sunset. The cancellation stamps are located at the Old State House. Guided walking tours are available starting at the John Bell House (43 The Green) Thursday - Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Guided walking tours are $6.50 per person (children 8 and under are free). Free guided walking tours are available on the first Saturday of every month. Free guided tours of Legislative Hall are available Thursday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
John Dickinson Plantation
Tuesdays: OUTDOOR VISITATION ONLY. Grounds open 10:00am - 4:00pm Wednesdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10:00am - 4:00pm Thursdays through Saturdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10:00am - 4:00pm. Guided tours of the mansion at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm. Closed Monday and Sunday. Hours are subject to change. For more information, call 302-739-3277.
Visitor Centers
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-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.
10 Market StreetNew Castle, DE 19803
Operating Hours
The Welcome Center is located in Historic New Castle, Delaware. There is only street parking available on site.
More detailsSheriff'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-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.
10 Market StreetNew Castle, DE 19803
Operating Hours
The Welcome Center is located in Historic New Castle, Delaware. There is only street parking available on site.
More detailsLesson Plans
Explore the full collection of educator resources from the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.
Part of the 9/11 Trail
First State National Historical Park is one of the National Park Service sites connected by the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, a 1,500+ mile pathway of remembrance linking the three 9/11 memorial sites.
Park information provided by the National Park Service. Data refreshed daily.