Delaware is a small state in the United States, and it does not have any national parks within its borders. However, it does have several sites managed by the National Park Service, which are known as National Park Service Units. These units are typically historic sites, monuments, and memorials rather than traditional national parks. Here are a few of the National Park Service Units in Delaware:
- First State National Historical Park: This park was established in 2013 and includes several different sites throughout Delaware that are of historical significance. It preserves and interprets the cultural and natural resources associated with the history of Delaware and the nation. Some notable sites within the park include the New Castle Court House, the Dover Green, and the Woodlawn property.
- Fort Christina National Historic Landmark: This landmark is part of First State National Historical Park and is located in Wilmington, Delaware. It commemorates the founding of the New Sweden colony by Swedish and Finnish settlers in the 17th century.
- The Green in Dover: This site is also part of First State National Historical Park and is located in Dover. It is a historic public square that has played a central role in Delaware’s history, including as the site of the Delaware State House.
While Delaware does not have any traditional national parks with vast natural landscapes like some other states, it offers a unique historical and cultural experience through these National Park Service Units, showcasing its important role in the early history of the United States.
Author: Kirill Shrayber, Ph.D.