First State National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park spans several counties with historic buildings, natural areas, and multiple locations to explore. Six different sites within the park each show a different part of the story, allowing visitors to piece together the region's past.

Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution and played a founding role in the young nation. The park marks this pivotal period and shows how settlement and early communities shaped this moment in American history.

The park shows traces of people from different backgrounds who settled here and left their mark on the land. Names, buildings, and layouts tell stories of how these communities lived and mixed together over time.

Visitors can collect National Park Service passport stamps at different locations while moving through the region to see various historic sites. It helps to plan a route since the locations spread across several counties and can be visited over time.

The New Castle Court House from 1730 has a balcony where the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to Delaware citizens. This was one of the spots where American freedom was publicly announced to the people.

Location: Delaware County

Location: Kent County

Location: New Castle County

Location: Sussex County

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/frst

GPS coordinates: 39.66470,-75.56530

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53