Delaware's largest city, located where the Brandywine Creek and Christina River converge, is the site where E.I. du Pont founded his company in 1802 (helping the city achieve the dubious distinction of being called the Chemical Capital of the World). Wilmington was also the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley, established by Swedes who arrived in 1638. Today, Wilmington is an industrial, financial and shipping hub with a skyline of sleek modern buildings.
Although a covenient base for exploring Brandywine Valley to the north, Wilmington proper also has many attractions, too. The Kalmar Nyckel, a replica of the original ship that brought the first Europeans to settle in the Delaware Valley, is docked at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard. Sailing trips are available to the public. Nearby is Fort Christina Park, site of the ship's first landing and Old Swedes Church, built in 1698.
A little farther east, between Market and King streets, is the Delaware Historical Society Complex. This includes the 1800 Old Town Hall, which now houses special exhibits and events; Willingtown Square, a small park made up of historic houses; and the Delaware History Museum, which depicts life in Delaware over the centuries. Near the complex is the Grand Opera House, a restored 1871 theater that hosts the Delaware Symphony and other artists. The opera house is on the Market Street Mall, the downtown area's premier shopping area.
To the south, the waterfront area along the Christina River has undergone extensive renovations. Once the heart of the city's shipbuilding industry, it now holds the Riverfront Arts Center, which hosts splashy, limited-run exhibitions. Also in the area is the Shipyard Shops complex, an outlet mall with discounted merchandise from L.L. Bean and other retailers.
The Delaware Art Museum, on Kentmere Parkway in the northwestern part of the city, has an extraordinary collection of pre-Raphaelites and American illustrations (especially those of N.C. Wyeth, John Sloan and Howard Pyle), an outdoor labyrinth that visitors can walk through and a sculpture garden.
Brandywine Park and Zoo is a pleasant recreation area designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of Central Park in New York City—be sure to see the Japanese cherry trees. An interesting way to enjoy the countryside near Wilmington is aboard the Wilmington & Western Railroad, a steam train dating from the late 1800s that runs on weekends May-December.
