Delaware City: Discover History and Waterways

Delaware City can be explored through several themes: the architecture of the Historic District, the history of its forts and canals, and nature experiences by the water. If you’re looking for a hotel in Delaware City, consider whether you’d like to focus your trip on architectural history, forts, recreation on the water, or wildlife watching.

Historic District and Architectural History

Delaware City’s Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and includes more than 250 historically significant buildings. Its streets reflect different periods of construction, including Federal-style buildings from the 1820s and Italianate “Peach House” buildings from the 1850s. Together, these architectural styles offer a glimpse of how the town developed over several decades.

The history of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal can also be seen in individual structures. The canal’s surviving eastern lock gate in Delaware City is 22 feet wide and dates from the 1854 enlargement of the locks. Battery Park is also home to a diving bell that was used to remove deposits from the canal’s lock grooves. These objects connect the history of the waterway and its engineering use with the cityscape.

Another historic building is Delaware City Public School. It was built at this site in 1883 and designed in the then-popular Italianate style. Those interested in architecture can view these examples alongside the Historic District’s buildings, while keeping their different construction periods in mind.

Forts on the Delaware River

Fort Delaware is located on Pea Patch Island, off Delaware City. The pentagonal fort served as a prisoner-of-war camp for captured Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. The island is accessible from Delaware City by a ferry ride of about half a mile; a jitney runs from the island’s landing to the fort. Check the ferry schedule when planning a visit.

Fort DuPont tells a distinct military history connected to Fort Delaware. Established during the Civil War, it successfully defended the strategic point on the Delaware River against attacks from the sea, together with Fort Delaware and Fort Mott in New Jersey, until 1921. Fort DuPont was established as the Ten Gun Battery in 1863, opposite Fort Delaware. Construction of concrete batteries for long-range guns, rapid-fire guns, and mortars began there in 1897. These dates mark distinct phases: the fort’s founding during the Civil War and the later start of construction on the batteries.

Waterways, Trails, and Nature

The original Chesapeake and Delaware Canal was converted into a side channel that remains open to recreational boats. Nearby trails include the Castle and Cardin Trails on the north bank of the C&D Canal, which meet at the state line. The Branch Canal Trail connects the Castle Trail with Delaware City’s Canalfront Promenade.

The 0.4-mile Branch Canal Trail also connects the Castle Trail with local shops and historic and natural attractions in and around Delaware City. It follows a 1920s C&D Canal towpath along the open water of the Branch Canal. A 9.6-acre tidal wetland lies directly beside the trail. The trail also provides access to the African Union Church Cemetery, where five members of the U.S. Colored Troops who served the Union during the Civil War are buried.

Dragon Run Park has trails for hiking and biking. Visitors can also watch birds and observe wildlife. The Nature Center offers educational programs and exhibits, making the park a place to enjoy both trails and nature and environmental education.

Events and Maritime Services

The annual Canal Fest takes place in September and features blues music, art in the park, and a variety of well-known artisans. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates for your travel year.

Delaware City Marina offers slips, land storage, fuel, a ship’s store, and comprehensive maritime services. If you need a specific service, check its availability in advance. DNREC also operates a boat ramp on the Branch Canal, which borders Delaware City.

Explore more destinations: Hockessin, Christiana, Claymont, Wilmington, Newark, Brookside, Bear, Brandywine

For the broader travel overview: New Castle County.