Just because the size of Wilmington’s land area is “small,” it doesn’t mean that it lacks a rich history. The city was given birth after the first Swedish and Finnish settlements came to the U.S. around 1638. The land adopted the name Willington in honor of Thomas Willing who was the first developer of the land. However, in 1655, the occupation of the land fell into the hands of the Dutch and then the British. In 1739, King George II granted the colony borough charter and changed its name from Willington to Wilmington in honor of Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington. It was during this period that the Old Town Hall, a magnificent federal-style construction, was built between 1798 and 1800 which is a source of great attraction to this day. In 1832 the borough of Wilmington was officially given a city charter. Soon after, the city saw substantial growth and prosperity when the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad arrived in 1837. This allowed more people to settle in the lands and establish industries, giving the city’s economy a boost. During the Civil War, the city saw further prosperity as it was becoming the leading producer of warships in the nation. Wilmington catered to the inflated demand for ships, railroad cars, gunpowder, shoes, tents, uniforms, blankets, and other war materials and by 1868 it became the largest producer of warships in the county. This constant flourishing of the economy led to a massive housing boom in the western parts of the city, especially the area known as Delaware Avenue. In the later years, the city saw extensive park systems, houses, mansions, and even the welcoming of corporate management systems into the city.

Though Wilmington is most popular for attracting tourists from across the nation for a visit to its fascinating museums and breathtaking gardens, leisure activities are not limited to just that. Other than touring the magnificent mansion and parks, one can explore downtown Delaware and take a walk down the famous Market Street. The beautiful riverfront view provides just the right ambiance combined with delectable Delaware cuisine for a peaceful night out in the city.