Wilmington Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Wilmington

Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware. It lies at the confluence of the Brandywine and Christina Rivers. Wilmington was originally home to the Lenape people. However, the land was purchased from Chief Mattahorn by the Swedish South Company in 1638. They built Fort Christina at the mouth of what would later be called the Christina River.

The Swedish lost control of the Fort Christina settlement when the Dutch took over. They called the area Willington after Thomas Willing, who developed the early city grid. It was the British who changed the city's name from Willington to Wilmington after they seized control. This change was in honor of Prime Minister Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington. The British remained in Wilmington through the Battle of Brandywine until 1778.

Wilmington continued to grow after the American Revolutionary War but the bulk of its growth happened during the US Civil War. The city became a center of industry building ships, manufacturing gunpowder and tanning leather. Wilmington's growth only expanded as times changed and manufacturing gave way to finance. Today the city is known as a national financial center for the credit card industry.

Visitors to the city spend a significant amount of time touring the historic buildings in the the town town area. Places like the Grand Opera House, St. Peter's Cathedral and the Old Town Hall show just how much the city has changed over the years. The Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park displays the important role Wilmington held with the Underground Railroad. Likewise, the booming Wilmington Riverwalk is a cheerful and lively place for visitors of all ages.

Take this self-guided walking tour of Wilmington to see some of the most important places in this beautiful city.