Have you ever wondered why Delaware is the only state in the union that has no national park?
You’re not alone. Delaware has some interesting history: It was the first of the 13 original colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, making it the first colony to be admitted to the Union as a state.
The plan for a new National Historical Park, which came before a Congressional subcommittee in February 2011 and now awaits the committee's review of HR 624 and S 323, will center on the historic town of New Castle. The town’s historic homes and buildings reflect on the state’s Dutch heritage as well as its Swedish and English roots—including the house in which William Penn is said to have spent his first night in the New World in 1682.
In addition to New Castle, both public and private historic sites and museums in the surrounding area will become part of the park.
“Every year, millions of Americans plan their vacations around our nation’s national park system,” said Senator Tom Carper of Delaware. “In the future, families from all over the country – and all over the world – will be able to consider a trip to Delaware to visit our national park. Those trips will be a significant boost to our economy and will teach new generations of Americans about Delaware’s rich cultural heritage and Delaware’s impacts on our nation’s history.”
Before all the pieces are in place, the park will need money: The legislation recommends creation of a grant program that would be available to the sites, and authorizes $3 million for grants to the State of Delaware and non-profit organizations to rehabilitate existing structures to serve as administrative and visitor services facilities. It also authorizes $2.5 million in grants for historic preservation and restoration of resources.
Once the legislation passes, the National Park Service will complete a management study to decide how to organize and staff the historical park. It could be two years or more before the site officially opens as a national park.
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