Why A Small-Town In Delaware Should Be On Your Bucket List For America 250
America's First Big Party Next Year Is In A Tiny Town You've Never Visited
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Hey History Buffs,
If you love small towns, big stories, and events that transport you back in time—add Separation Day in New Castle, Delaware to your calendar now.
📅 Next Year’s Date: TBA in June 2026
🎉 Special Edition: It will be the 250th anniversary—celebrate America’s Birthday in June and beat the masses in July!
🔔 Wait—What Is Separation Day?
Before America declared independence from Great Britain, Delaware declared independence from Pennsylvania (and British rule) on June 15, 1776. Yes, really!
It all happened in New Castle, Delaware, just weeks before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Delaware went on to become the first state to ratify the Constitution.
So yes—this is a big deal. And it happens every June with a celebration of fireworks, parades, food, live music, reenactments, and local history.
🎯 Why You Should Go in 2025
It's a preview of 250th anniversary events—without the big crowds.
You can walk the same streets where Delaware’s independence was declared.
You'll experience a true local tradition that is authentic and patriotic, not commercialized.
It's family-friendly, free to attend, and right on the scenic Delaware River.
☛ There’s Nothing Like A Small-Town Parade
📍 Must-See Spots While You're in Town
🏛️ New Castle Court House Museum – Where the vote for independence happened
🕰️ The Green & Market House – The center of colonial-era community life
🏠 Amstel House – 1730s Georgian mansion with Rev. War connections
⛪ Immanuel Church on the Green – Dating back to 1703
🌳 Battery Park – Parade + fireworks overlook the river here
🚗 What To See Nearby:
⚔️ Brandywine Battlefield (PA) – 30 minutes north
🐎 First State National Historical Park – Scattered historic sites across DE
🪖 Fort Delaware – 19th-century fort on Pea Patch Island (accessible by ferry)
📜 Old Swedes Church & Fort Christina – Swedish colonial roots meet early American history
☛ In The News
Remains of four Confederate soldiers found in Williamsburg (Amazing story!)
🚗 Where I’ve Been. Where I’m going.
Where I’ve been… New Castle, Del., and the surrounding area including Brandywine Battlefield, Valley Forge and the Battle of Paoli Battlefield.
I also visited General Anthony Wayne’s homestead house and his grave near Paoli.
I’m heading to historic Bethlehem, Pa., next week to explore the Moravian culture which placed them on the World Heritage Site list.
☛ This Week’s “Old Word.”
Word: Huzzah
Meaning: An exclamation of joy or triumph, often used during celebrations in the 18th century.
“Huzzah for liberty!” echoed through the cobblestone streets as fireworks lit up the sky.
Answer to Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: Last week was a bit of a trick question. The man credited with creating the first road map of the American colonies is actually Thomas Hutchins (not listed). Most of you selected Benjamin Franklin as the Founding Father, which is the best answer, since he is credited with helping to map early American boundaries.
This Week’s Trivia Question: Give it a try!
See you next week!
PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP WITH MY FAVORITE RESOURCES:
— Best accommodation site: Booking.com
— Book day tours here: Viator.com
— Rent a car: DiscoverCars.com