One "monumental relic of Delaware City's early optimism" is the Delaware City Hotel on Clinton Street, according to the guide. The Village consists of 11 carefully restored buildings whose construction dates back between 1799 and 1910. Explore these historic hotels that reside along the shorelines of America’s finest beaches, lakes, and rivers. Nine species of wading birds can be found here including the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Glossy Ibis and Tri-colored Heron. --- Delaware: A Guide to the First State, 1938 The Delaware City Hotel is certainly a reminder of this town's history. "But the canal brought no great development because the railroads soon began to compete seriously.". If this is your first time here, we would like to extend our warmest welcome and invite you to take a tour of what our community has to offer. Call and book your appointment today! Fill your day with hands-on history. HISTORY OF DELAWARE CITY. The Newbolds drew plans for the town in 1826, with the expectation that it would eventually grow to rival Philadelphia as a Delaware River port and commercial center. This area is an undeveloped city owned parcel that contains extensive tidal marsh area, scrub edge habitat and some coastal woodland fringe. Get Directions (719) 486-1418. www.DelawareHotel.com. Started from the dream of Captain Wiso, we are hard working and fair. Located in the heart of historic Delaware City on the Delaware River, the Delaware City Canal House is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation © 2020 All Rights Reserved. View All. See more of Historic Delaware Hotel on Facebook. "An optimistic little town greeted in 1829 the opening of the canal," the guide says. Over the years, the refinery has from time to time fouled the city with noxious odors. Until the advent of Prohibition it was one of the noted taverns of the countryside." "These are economic development indicators that prove we're headed in the right direction," Cathcart said. There are tidal creeks within extensive tidal marsh areas on the island and large areas of coastal plain woodlands including stands of tall trees and shrub-dominated patches. Work also is underway to stop storm flooding on Washington Street. ... Delaware 19710. Even in 1929, a developer was promoting the "Ideal City" that would bloom on 9,000 acres of adjacent farmland, the guide says. The late 19th-century fort, which housed prisoners from the German Afrika Corps during World War II, is slated for redevelopment. Not that there aren't challenges. Historic Hotels of America preserves the authenticity of America's most prominent lodging addresses and offers visitors a richer travel experience Our diverse selection of hotels, inns, and resorts are the perfect locations to create lasting memories with the people who mean the most to you. 19706, Email: kerry@forgedcreations.com The population ticked up slightly after the oil refinery was built,. The island fort was built to defend Philadelphia. The property is for sale for just under $1.8 million in hopes of bringing new investors into the town, Buchheit said. Forged Creations specializes in custom metalwork. Travel on to Fort Mott State Park in New Jersey, and visit Finn’s Point National Cemetery, the final resting-place for 2,400 Confederate prisoners who died at Fort Delaware. Do you have a paranormal tale from the First State? 606 people follow this. Matt Chesser, environmental program administrator with Delaware State Parks, said the paranormal activity has brought interest from around the world to the fort. A jitney provides transport from the island dock to the granite and brick fortress. Explore a wondrous display of plant- and flower-filled finery at these legendary places. The refinery management has been very accommodating to the city, including notifying the town immediately if there's been a spill, Green said. Delaware City is one of the three major partners in the project, along with Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Department of Health and Social Services. The commercial district, which at one time was almost 60 percent vacant, is moving toward full occupancy, Cathcart said. A redevelopment of Fort DuPont could double Delaware City's population within 10 years, Cathcart said. The catalog of flora and fauna now stands at 134 birds, 84 plants, 47 insects, 16 mammals, 9 amphibians, 1 minnow and 1 crustacean species (DE Audubon 2002). Website: http://forgedcreations.com/, 78 Clinton St The 1860 population of 1,355 stood for nearly 80 years as the city's peak. During the fall months, the fortress is open for paranormal and ghost tours. The hotel, now owned by Buchheit and Slotter, was built in 1828 by Manuel Eyre. Guests can walk to the wonderful restaurants and shops located in Delaware City. But I never realized it until things started opening," said Cheryl Poppe Dennis, 47, a third generation Delaware City resident who was born and raised in the town. Book now and escape with that special someone with a perfect romantic getaway. Indulge the palate with delectable fare created by the country’s premier chefs at these historic hotels. "The real positive initiatives have been going for about three years," Green said. We have indoor/outdoor dining with the best water views in the state. Peaches shipped from the Major’s Wharf in Delaware City reached many ports from New York to Baltimore. The impoundments are used as part of a managed hunting area and water levels are controlled to meet the habitat management objectives. Love Delaware? The city also is working on a $2.2 million trail along a half-mile stretch of the city that is expected eventually to link into the Michael N. Castle Trail along the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! Tell us by filling out our nomination form, here, and we’ll be sure to check it out! Copyright (c) 2020 Groundspeak, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Local Time & Weather. And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Rather than running from restless spirits that roam historic buildings, Buccheit and other Delaware City leaders believe the dearly departed are part of an exciting trend that's breathing new life into a city that failed to live up to the lofty expectations of its founding fathers. Nearby Pea Patch Island is a summer home to nine different species of herons, egrets and ibis. Twentieth-century industry arrived in the 1950’s and 1960’s with the construction of the nearby industrial complex. The recent real estate developments are expected to complement the growing eco-tourism in the city because people will have places to eat and shop, said Mark Chura, who has been going to Delaware City for about 25 years. Eyre was an early promoter who bought out the Newbolds. Today, the 1829 channel – Delaware City Branch Canal – is used by small pleasure boats. Delaware City traces its origins to 1801 when the Newbold family from New Jersey purchased a tract of land that became known as Newbold’s Landing. A restoration of the 12 rooms on the upper floors would cost about $1.5 million. For the other new commercial enterprises on Clinton Street, Buchheit and Slotter have joined with other investors. Walk the hallowed grounds on which both Union and Confederate soldiers marched and fought during this tumultuous period in history. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Delaware City, De 19706 Delaware City is a historic waterfront community that has rich history and great charm. Experience these glorious city center historic hotels. The menus will feature upscale pub food. Visitors will enjoy a street fair, crafts show and entertainment. For the first time in recent memory, a group of city officials, residents and investors have gained traction in revitalizing the town. The Grass Dale area is a unique natural area that is a part of Fort DuPont State Park. In another positive sign, transfer tax collections from real estate sales have increased more than 15 percent in the last two years, Cathcart said. The city was laid out in 1826 by Daniel and William Newbold, who believed the town's location at the junction of the Delaware River and the soon-to-be Chesapeake & Delaware Canal destined it for greatness. For public relations reasons, city leaders prefer that the PBF Energy's Delaware City Refinery on Delaware 9 not carry the name of their municipality, Cathcart said. This natural habitat is now the home of the American Birding Association. http://crabby-dicks.com, Phone: 302.521.2588 The Delaware City Historic District is one of the largest in the State of Delaware with more than 250 contributing structures. Trading ghost stories in the dark is one of the best ways to spend time with your family and friends — that is, if you’re brave enough! Site Map, Copyright © 2020 Historic Hotels of America® For years Wiso’s has had the reputation, in the Delmarva Peninsula, of being one of the best seafood stores anywhere, minutes from Wilmington, Delaware, off Route 9 in Delaware City. or. Fish caught by Delaware City fishermen were processed and shipped from the town. Contact: Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! A peach boom during the period 1840-1880 that made Delaware City famous for popularizing peaches nationwide was started by Major Philip Reybold and his sons, who had over 110,000 peach trees by 1845. Bring your fur baby to the best Grooming Spa in Delaware. Sitting on the corner, highly visible from the Delaware River with it's white facade, it acts like a beacon to seafaring vessels. Visit exceptional art galleries, museums, and theaters at these unique destinations. Long before the City of Delaware came into existence, Mingo, and Shawnee Indian tribes lived in the area and settlements were established where the future town would develop. Environmental regulations have improved the situation, Green said. As recently as September, a major boiler failure at the refinery led to a release of smoke and other pollutants that residents said created an acrid smell in town. Experience an exciting celebration at a historic hotel. Everything's for sale. The hotel, now owned by Buchheit and Slotter, was built in … Each piece is handcrafted utilizing traditional methods. This historic building is famously haunted. And if you like, you can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in our picnic area – tables and grills are provided. Tim Konkus said he stores boats from owners all over the world, including Western Europe and Canada. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. The Delaware City Historic District is one of the largest in the State of Delaware with more than 250 contributing structures.