DELAWARE STATE - Delaware, the First State, boasts a rich history that's reflected in the evolution of its capital city. Unlike many states with a single, long-standing capital, Delaware's seat of government shifted in its early years, reflecting changing priorities and the challenges of colonial life.
From New Castle to Dover: Tracing the Journey of Delaware's Capital City
This article explores the story of Delaware's first capital, New Castle, and the reasons behind the eventual move to Dover, the state's current capital.
New Castle: A Colonial Hub on the Delaware River (1704-1777)
New Castle's origins predate Delaware's formal existence as a separate entity. Initially part of Pennsylvania as the "Three Lower Counties," the area gained its own assembly in 1704, with New Castle serving as the colonial capital (Source: Delaware Historical Society, historical records of colonial Delaware). This designation reflected New Castle's strategic location.
- A Thriving Port: New Castle was a major colonial port on the Delaware River, facilitating trade and communication. Its location made it a vital link in the colonial economy.
- Delaware becomes a State: In 1776, after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
- County Seat: Even after losing its capital status, New Castle remained an important center, serving as the county seat of New Castle County until the 1880s.
The Shift to Dover (1777): Centrality and Security
The American Revolution brought about a significant change in Delaware's political landscape, prompting the relocation of the capital.
- Strategic Concerns: In 1777, during the Revolutionary War, the capital was moved from New Castle to Dover. This decision was driven by two primary factors: Dover's more central location within the state and its greater safety from potential British naval raids on the Delaware River (Source: Delaware Public Archives, legislative records of 1777).
- Dover's Founding William Penn founded Dover in 1683. The Delaware General Assembly laid out the city in 1717.
Dover: A Capital for the Long Term
Dover's selection as the capital in 1777 proved to be a lasting one.
- Central Location: Dover's central location within Delaware made it more accessible to residents from all three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex).
- Enduring Capital: Dover has remained the capital of Delaware ever since, witnessing the state's growth and evolution from a small colony to a modern state.
- Second Largest City: Today, Dover is the second-largest city in Delaware, serving as the center of state government and a hub for commerce and culture in central Delaware.
The story of Delaware's capital city is a story of strategic shifts and evolving priorities. New Castle, with its rich colonial history and its role as a major port, served as the first capital, reflecting the importance of the Delaware River in the early years. However, the need for a more central and secure location during the Revolutionary War led to the capital's move to Dover, a decision that has shaped Delaware's political landscape ever since. Exploring both New Castle and Dover offers a fascinating journey through Delaware's history, revealing the factors that influenced the development of the First State.
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Possible Sources:
- Delaware Historical Society
- Delaware Public Archives
- Legislative records of 1777
- Historical accounts of colonial Delaware
- City of New Castle website
- City of Dover website
