Images of America: Delaware Series

This series delves into the rich history and diverse landscape of Delaware, from its picturesque farmlands to its bustling towns and strategic military sites. Through an extensive collection of vintage photographs and engaging captions, it uncovers the unique cultures and traditions that have shaped the state. Each volume offers a visual journey through time, celebrating the people, places, and events that define 'The First State'. Explore the visual narrative of industry, architecture, and daily life that has forged its past and present.

Recommended Reading Order

Brewing in Delaware
John Medkeff
128 pages
5 hours of reading
4.4(3)Add rating
While Delaware maintains one of the oldest beer-brewing traditions in the United States, its history has largely been lost or forgotten over the course of nearly four centuries. Beer was a main source of sustenance to Delaware's early European settlers, and its production eventually became one of the young colony's first industries. From its humble colonial beginnings, beer production grew to become one of the state's largest and most profitable industries. National Prohibition put a temporary end to the golden age of brewing in Delaware; however, the industry made a modest recovery after repeal. The state's two remaining breweries ultimately fell victim to larger, better funded regional and national concerns. There would be no brewing in Delaware for the next four decades. The remarkable popularity of craft beer in the 1990s fueled a brewing revival in the state, punctuated by Delaware's nationally recognized, award-winning breweries.
Along the Kirkwood Highway
William Francis
128 pages
5 hours of reading
The Kirkwood Highway is an almost six-mile portion of State Route 2 in New Castle County, Delaware. Built as a bypass of Marshallton after the opening of Delaware Park at Stanton in 1937, it was meant to provide Wilmington-area horse-racing fans a straighter and faster route to the track. It is named after a distinguished officer of the American Revolution, Robert Kirkwood Jr., who was born at his family's farm along Polly Drummond Hill Road in Newark in 1756. Since it opened to automobile traffic, the highway has undergone numerous renovations and the scenery along its route has changed dramatically. Today, it is the fifth-busiest roadway in the state and is lined by shopping centers, national retailers, fast-food and chain restaurants, gas stations, subdivisions, and historic sites. Through vintage photographs, Along the Kirkwood Highway takes a nostalgic look back at the travel corridor, its cross streets, and familiar sites along its path.
Arden
Mark Taylor
128 pages
5 hours of reading
5.0(1)Add rating
Focusing on the establishment of a unique utopian community, the book delves into the founding of Arden in 1900 by sculptor Frank Stephens and architect Will Price, inspired by Henry George's economic principles. Supported by philanthropist Joseph Fels, they created a vibrant colony in Delaware, drawing a diverse group of radicals and progressives, including notable figures like Upton Sinclair and Scott Nearing. Through photographs, it captures the early history of this little-known experiment in social reform and community living.
Smyrna, Clayton, and Woodland Beach
Jess Hansen
130 pages
5 hours of reading
The history of Smyrna, Clayton, and Woodland Beach, Delaware, is deeply rooted in the aspirations of early settlers and the development of key industries. Smyrna evolved from the settlement of Salisbury to a thriving hub, benefiting from its river and transportation links, including steamers and a train depot that spurred Clayton's growth. Meanwhile, Woodland Beach became a popular destination with attractions like a Ferris wheel and dance hall, reflecting the region's vibrant community and economic evolution shaped by agriculture and transportation.
Dunleith
Victoria James
128 pages
5 hours of reading
Set in the early 1950s, this book explores Dunleith, Delaware's first African American housing development, highlighting the experiences of World War II veterans and blue-collar workers who became homeowners. It delves into the challenges of securing equal education and housing during the civil rights movement. The narrative emphasizes the role of local schools and churches in fostering resilience among families. Richly illustrated with vintage photographs, it captures the community's historical significance and the perseverance of its residents.
Along the Christina River
William Francis
128 pages
5 hours of reading
For centuries, the Christina River, an approximately 35-mile-long tributary of the Delaware River that cuts across northern Delaware, has played a role in the development of Newark, Christiana, Newport, and Wilmington. Near its mouth, it welcomed European settlers from Sweden and Finland. The Port of Wilmington, opened in 1923, handles international cargo and trade. The river was home to shipbuilding operations that once made Wilmington the busiest shipbuilding city in the United States. The river encouraged people to open businesses in the area, and industries like the Krebs Pigment Plant, Jackson & Sharp railroad manufacturers, and Pusey & Jones shipbuilders flourished. Farther downstream, in Newark, the river's history includes the only Revolutionary War battle fought on Delaware soil. Through vintage photographs, Along the Christina River shares the river's rich heritage and traces the history of this great waterway.
Along Delaware's Old Post Road: From Claymont to Iron Hill
Ken Baumgardt
128 pages
5 hours of reading
Along Delaware's Old Post Road: From Claymont to Iron Hill snakes through the Colonial towns of Claymont, Wilmington, Newport, Stanton, Christiana, and the Pencader Hundred portion of northern Delaware. This 13-mile route has different names, from Philadelphia Pike to Maryland Avenue to Old Baltimore Pike, but it is along this road that the State of Delaware has its earliest roots. The photographs of the people and places are mostly misty memories as the route grew from a narrow dirt road to a modern four-lane thoroughfare. From Cooch's Bridge at one end, where the only battle on Delaware soil was fought, to Archmere Academy at the northern end, the corridor has a largely forgotten place in history. Travelers now trace the same route once traversed by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon as they rode into history.
Delaware's 1962 Northeaster
Wendy L. Carey
128 pages
5 hours of reading
3.7(3)Add rating
Delaware's March 1962 storm caused unprecedented destruction to life and property. Unusually high wind-driven tides carried breaking waves inland, destroying buildings and structures that, ordinarily, would have been beyond the reach of the surf. These photographs and the story they tell about devastation and destruction carry a strong message about hazards, risks, and the vulnerability of Delaware's communities and environments.
Delaware Army National Guard
Kennard R. Jr. Wiggins
130 pages
5 hours of reading
The Delaware National Guard traces its roots to 1655, when the Swedish Colonial government formed a militia to defend itself. That tradition carried through Dutch and then English control of the colony. The militia served in all five French and Indian Wars and then distinguished itself during the Revolutionary War as the First Delaware Regiment of the Continental Army, earning its "Blue Hen" nickname. The Delaware militia continued to serve in every major war, and currently it remains in the forefront. Images of America: Delaware Army National Guard presents images of this fabled organization that survived from the Spanish-American War to the present. The people, places, equipment, and facilities of the Delaware National Guard are illustrated in this compilation of historic photographs from the collection of the Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation.
Along Route 52: Delaware's Historic Kennett Pike
Andrew D. Engel
128 pages
5 hours of reading
Created through an act of the Delaware Legislature in 1811, the Wilmington and Kennett Turnpike would become one of the most important roads in New Castle County. Linking the city of Wilmington, Delaware, to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, it would become crucial in the transportation of goods from a growing industrial Wilmington to Philadelphia and the eastern counties of Pennsylvania. Kennett Pike, as it would come to be known, operated as a toll road until it was purchased in 1919 by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (1870–1954). Du Pont would work over the next year and a half to widen and modernize the highway and eliminate its tolls. When work was completed, he sold the road back to the state for just $1. Kennett Pike has continued to grow through the 20th century, with dozens of private estates gracing its borders. Villages such as Greenville and Centreville have been characterized by their country charm and local businesses, including Shields Lumber & Coal and Buckley’s Tavern.
Delaware State Police
John R. Jr. Alstadt
130 pages
5 hours of reading
April 28, 1923, marks the birth of the Delaware State Police. Discussions occurred as early as 1906 for a statewide police organization to cope with speeding automobiles, roving bands of troublemakers, and the ever-present bootleggers. Prohibition and the 18th Amendment brought the discussion to the forefront. With the hiring of Charles J. McGarigle and Joseph A. McVey, the Delaware Highway Police Department came to fruition on January 1, 1920. Using many never-before-published photographs from the Delaware State Police Museum archive, Images of America: Delaware State Police illustrates the storied past of the Delaware State Police from 1920 to 1985.
New Castle Revisited
Michael Connolly
128 pages
5 hours of reading
Since its founding in 1651 on the western shore of the Delaware River, New Castle and its residents have shared in the making of American history. Known as the first capital of the first state, this charming town watched European powers clash over its control; welcomed William Penn when he first set foot on American soil; participated in the drama of the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War; and reaped the benefits of new technologies like the railroad, steam engine, and aviation. Eventually, trade and commerce moved elsewhere, leaving New Castle preserved and intact. Today, the people of New Castle take great pride in their community's heritage and enjoy sharing the story of this National Historic Landmark District with others.