Before being explored in the 16th century, Delaware was inhabited by Native Americans such as the Lenape and Nanticoke. In 1631 it was initially colonized by the Dutch at Zwaanendael which is near Lewes. Delaware was one of the 13 colonies that was involved in the American Revolution and on December 7, 1787, became the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States and thus its known as “The First State”.
In 1856 Congress appropriated $25,000 for the Fenwick Island Lighthouse the ten-acre tract was purchased from Mary C. Hall for only $50. It was completed on December 29, 1858 and finally lit on August 1, 1859. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978 after over 100 years of service.
Barratt’s Chapel is the oldest surviving church building in the United States. It was also the founding location of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
An outstanding natural area and great fishing hole.
