New Castle, DE Tourist Attractions
|
|
New Castle was a trade center until 1824, when the business district was leveled by fire. New life came to the town in 1832 through the New Castle-Frenchtown Railroad but the main lines were rerouted through Wilmington. Although this isolated the community, the Colonial and Federal architecture remain unaltered today because of the seclusion.
New Castle Court House
Built in 1732, the New Castle Court House was built over the remains of Delaware's first courthouse of 1689. This was the site of Delaware's first statehouse and meeting place of Delaware's colonial and first State Assembly. In the Assembly Room, the legislature met on June 15, 1776 and passed a resolution to separate from Great Britain and Pennsylvania, creating the Delaware State. Two months later, September 20, 1776, the first Constitution for the Delaware State was adopted.
Dutch House
Dutch House was built in the late 17th C and is thought to be the oldest brick house in the state. It is typical of Colonial Dutch architecture, a rare example of an urban artisan's house. Unusual 17th and 18th C Dutch furnishings, and artifacts, inside the home offer glimpses of early colony life. Decorative arts are also on display.
George Read II House and Gardens
Read House was built in 1801 by George Read Jr, the son of one of Delaware's signers of the Declaration of Independence. This 22-room mansion is furnished in period and features carved woodwork, plasterwork and silver door handles. The gardens, located at the side and rear of the house, were laid out in 1847 and have been restored to appear as they did at that time.
Amstel House
Amstel House was built by Dr. John Finney in the 1730's. He was New Castle's wealthiest landowner. Visitors catch a glimpse of life in the 18th C through an open-hearth kitchen, Colonial furnishings and household equipment.
Old Presbyterian Church
Built in 1707, the Old Presbyterian Church in New Castle was one of several churches forming the first presbytery in America. It was used for services until 1854 and then restored after WWII.
The Green
The Green is located between Third and Market Streets. It was laid out in 1655 by Peter Stuyvesant and has served as the site of fairs and markets. The 1890 U.S. arsenal and 1798 New Castle Academy are on the Green.
The Strand
The Strand, located near the river, is a block long street bordered by shady brick walks and brick gutters. Many of the townhouses, from the 18th C, survived the great fire that swept the street in 1824.
Museum of the American Road
The Museum of the American Road, located at a Harley Davidson dealership, traces the history of motorcycles and roadside America.
New Castle Pictures
