New Castle, Delaware was founded in 1651 by the Dutch, taken over by the Swedes and finally Great Britain. Incorporated into the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by William Penn, as one of its six counties, it was a major port along the Delaware River

Today the State House has been restored, having served as a gymnasium, restaurant and other sundry uses. Some notable judicial proceedings happened in this courthouse. Around 1800 Chief Justice of the Federal Supreme Court Samuel Chase presided over a grand jury hearing judging the seditious articles written by a local newspaper. The grand jury could find nothing. But Chase badgered them and held them in contempt until they accused the newspaper editor of sedition. For this star quality behavior and other equally outrageous acts while conducting juris prudence, Chase joins the distinguished company of Andrew Johnson and William Clinton as receiving the accolades of the articles of impeachment. Like Clinton and Johnson, he did not leave office.

Another landmark case featured the most revered Supreme Court Justice Taney, who also handed down the Dred Scott decision. This regarded an operator of the Underground Railroad, who was subsequently found guilty and fined a great deal of money: another nail into the coffin for the Civil War.

The final case held in the Courthouse was one of the most notorious, Delaware vs. Neal. In 1880 a black man was charged in raping a white woman; a capital offense. His lawyer, losing the case in New Castle Court, petitioned the Federal Government to hear the case based on the exclusion of blacks in the jury selection. Even though blacks comprised seventeen percent of Delaware’s population, none ever served on grand or petit jury. The Supreme Court declared a mistrial, and the new one took place at the new courthouse in Wilmington where he was acquitted. Interestingly enough, the jury in that second trial was also all white, but it was the beginning of adding African-Americans to the jury selection process. William Penn was very foresighted in that even in the 1600′s disputes between Native Americans were to be settled by a jury composed equally of Indians and whites.

Today New Castle is a quiet town with cobblestone and brick streets and sidewalks. The town still captures the spirit of Colonial days and the early nation with its row houses, the Green, town market and the square in front of the Courthouse and city hall.

The state of Delaware is home to a variety of cultural, historical, and outdoor activities. In fact there are so many reasons to visit Delaware that you would be better off extending your vacation rather than choose just one fun and exciting thing to do. Browse the goods at a craft or art fair, take in a ballet or concert, stroll through one of many spectacular parks, or just sit back and relax and take in the scenery surrounding you, whatever you plan to do while visiting Delaware you are sure to make memories and will be eager to soon return.

The natural scenery here is a reason in and of itself to visit the state. Places such as the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge located in Milton which was established in 1963, the 15,978 acre Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge located in Smyrna, and the 143 acre Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve also located in Milton delight visitors year round with their beautiful views and vibrant wildlife. For those to like to enjoy the great outdoors by sitting back and relaxing and soaking up the sun there is place such as Bethany Beach where visitors have a one mile stretch to vacation laid back style.

The state of Delaware also has a rich history that many visitors come to explore every year. Visitors can view military aircraft from past years at the Air Mobility Command Museum located in Dover, or get a glimpse of the hidden treasures of the sea at the Treasure of the Sea Exhibit in Georgetown. Curious tourists who visit the state can visit numerous historical properties including the Hendrickson House Museum which was constructed in 1690 in Pennsylvania but since been moved to Wilmington, The Legislative Hall in Dover, or Mispillion Lighthouse built in 1873 and located in Milford.

Culture is another great reason to visit the state of Delaware. Not only are visitors provided with a number of cultural festivals throughout the year but visitors also have the opportunity to visit such places as Wilmington’s “Little Italy”. Here visitors can stroll through a historic Italian urban neighborhood and shop the quaint shops and dine at one of the areas many fine dining restaurants. The cultural possibilities in Delaware are endless and exciting. Whether you want to find that special piece of art for your home décor or dine in authentic Italian restaurant you are sure to find what you’re looking for in Delaware.