With a population of less than 5,000, New Castle in New Castle County, Delaware, is a sleepy little city with a lengthy and fascinating history. The Dutch were the first to make civilized settlements in the area, with the famous Peter Stuyvesant leading the development of what was originally the site of a small Indian reservation.
With more than three centuries of events behind it, the history of New Castle is undoubtedly its greatest selling point and the focus of its most significant visitor attractions. A walking tour of the city reveals historic sights such as Dutch House, Gilpin House, Booth House, Read House Kitchen, Kensey Johns House, Old New Castle Court House and Battery Park.
Nature spots make the town an attractive destination for visitors also, with sites such as The Green, Read House Garden and Amstel House Garden among popular places to spend a pleasant summer’s afternoon enjoying relaxation or outdoor activities.
New Castle attractions
George Read II House: this charming colonial home was constructed for a signatory of the Declaration of Independence and its Federal elegance reflects this.
New Castle Court House Museum: constructed in 1732, the building was used originally as the state’s first court and is now a fascinating museum displaying artifacts relating to its previous role.
Old Library Museum: housed in a Victorian building with an unusual hexagonal design, this museum is now used for exhibitions of artifacts belonging to the New Castle Historical Society.
Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson: view a collection of over 300 motorbikes, stop for lunch at Mike’s Famous Warehouse Grill then head to the Museum of the American Road for some fascinating insights into the history of transport in the US.
Delaware Ghost Tours: with so much history behind it, it’s no surprise that New Castle is the setting for these supernatural-oriented walking city tours. Specter-viewing is not guaranteed but a good selection of spooky venues and relevant stories are.
Immanuel Episcopal Church: the exterior dating from 1703 will not prepare you for the modern interior, completed in the 1980s after a devastating fire.