The Historic District, forts along the Delaware River, and waterside trails give Delaware City a distinctive character for a trip focused on culture and nature. The town has more than 250 buildings of historic significance; at the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, the lock gate and diving bell tell the story of the waterway.
Architecture and Military History
Delaware City's Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Its streets feature Federal-style buildings from the 1820s and Italianate-inspired “Peach House” buildings from the 1850s. The Delaware City Public School was built at this site in 1883 and designed in the Italianate style popular at the time. These dated examples provide specific architectural points of reference for the town's historic character.
The C&D Canal's infrastructure is also part of this history. The surviving eastern lock gate, 22 feet wide, dates from the 1854 expansion of the locks. A diving bell is on display in Battery Park; it was used to remove deposits from the lock grooves. From there, you can look across the Delaware River toward Pea Patch Island and the New Jersey coast.
The history of the forts adds another perspective on the river. Fort DuPont was established during the Civil War and, together with Fort Delaware and Fort Mott in New Jersey, successfully defended this strategic point on the Delaware River against attacks from the sea until 1921. Fort DuPont was established in 1863 as a Ten Gun Battery opposite Fort Delaware. Construction of concrete batteries for long-range rifles, rapid-fire guns, and mortars began there in 1897.
Fort Delaware is a five-sided fort on Pea Patch Island, off Delaware City. During the Civil War, it served as a prisoner-of-war camp for captured Confederate soldiers. From Delaware City, you can reach the island by ferry on a trip of about half a mile; a jitney runs from the island's landing to the fort. Check the ferry schedule when planning your visit.
On the Water and on the Trails
The original Chesapeake and Delaware Canal was converted into a side canal that remains open to recreational and pleasure boats. The Branch Canal Trail offers another perspective on the waterscape: the 0.4-mile trail follows a 1920s C&D Canal roadbed along the open water of the Branch Canal. A 9.6-acre tidal wetland is directly beside the trail.
The Branch Canal Trail connects the Castle Trail with local shops and historic and natural attractions in and around Delaware City. It also links the Castle Trail with the Delaware City Canalfront Promenade. The African Union Church Cemetery is accessible via the trail as well. Five members of the U.S. Colored Troops who served the Union during the Civil War are buried there.
The Castle and Cardin Trails run along the north shore of the C&D Canal and meet at the state line. These details distinguish the canal-side trail connections from the offerings at Dragon Run Park: there are trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The park's Nature Center offers educational programs and exhibits. Travelers looking to focus their trip on wildlife observation or outdoor activity will find different attractions here than at the historic buildings and forts.
Festivals, Water Access, and Choosing Accommodation
Held annually in September, Canal Fest brings together blues music, art in the park, and work by several well-known artisans. September is the right time of year to plan a visit; check the specific festival dates before your trip.
The city's maritime character is also reflected in the amenities available to visitors. Delaware City Marina offers slips, dry storage, fuel, a ship's store, and comprehensive maritime services. Check the current availability of individual services before using them. DNREC also maintains a boat ramp into the Branch Canal, which adjoins Delaware City; check current ramp conditions before planning to use it.
When looking for a hotel in Delaware City, you can plan your trip around your main interest: architecture and military history, trails along the C&D Canal, or wildlife observation at Dragon Run Park.
Discover more destinations: Brandywine, New Castle, Wilmington, Claymont, Hockessin, Christiana, Newark, Brookside
For the broader travel overview: New Castle County.
