Wilmington Live Cam
The largest city in the U.S. state of Delaware
Wilmington History
Wilmington is a city in the state of Delaware, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The area that is now Wilmington was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe, and the first European settlement in the area was established by the Dutch in the mid-17th century.
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the area was part of the Pennsylvania colony and was known as "New Sweden" due to the Swedish settlement that had been established there in the mid-17th century. In 1739, the area was incorporated as a town and named after Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington.
During the American Revolution, Wilmington was an important center of trade and industry, and the city played a significant role in the war effort. After the war, the city continued to grow and prosper, becoming an important center of manufacturing and commerce.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Wilmington was home to a number of important businesses and industries, including the DuPont Company, which was founded in the city in 1802 and became one of the largest chemical companies in the world. Wilmington was also an important center of shipbuilding, with many shipyards located along the Christina River.
In the mid-20th century, Wilmington experienced significant social and economic changes, as many of its manufacturing industries declined and the city's population became more diverse. Today, Wilmington is home to a number of important cultural and educational institutions, including the Delaware Art Museum, the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, and the University of Delaware's Wilmington campus.
Wilmington Top Tourist Attractions
- Brandywine Park: This 178-acre park is located along the Brandywine River and features walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a number of gardens and historic sites, including the Rockford Tower.
- Nemours Estate: This 300-acre estate was built in the early 20th century by Alfred I. du Pont and features a 77-room mansion, formal gardens, and a collection of antique cars.
- Delaware Art Museum: This museum features an extensive collection of American art, including works by Andrew Wyeth and John Sloan, as well as European art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Hagley Museum and Library: This museum is located on the site of the original DuPont gunpowder works and features exhibits on the history of the DuPont company and the development of the American industrial revolution.
- Delaware Museum of Natural History: This museum features exhibits on the natural history of Delaware and the surrounding region, including displays on dinosaurs, birds, and other wildlife.
- Grand Opera House: This historic theater was built in the late 19th century and features a variety of live performances, including concerts, plays, and dance performances.
- Delaware Children's Museum: This interactive museum is designed for children and features exhibits on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as well as art and culture.
- Wilmington Riverfront: This area along the Christina River features a number of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, as well as walking and biking paths and a seasonal farmer's market.
- Old Swedes Church: This historic church was built in the mid-17th century and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Wilmington. It is also known for its unique wooden altar, which was carved in the mid-18th century.
- Rockwood Mansion and Park: This 72-acre park features a historic mansion and gardens, as well as walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. The mansion was built in the mid-19th century and is known for its Gothic Revival architecture.
Wilmington Climate
Wilmington has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The city experiences all four seasons, with temperatures ranging from an average high of around 85°F (29°C) in July to an average low of around 25°F (-4°C) in January.
Summer months in Wilmington are typically hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s°F (32-37°C) and high levels of humidity. Thunderstorms are common during the summer, and the city can occasionally be affected by hurricanes and tropical storms.
Winters in Wilmington are generally cool to mild, with temperatures averaging around freezing point. Snowfall is common during the winter months, with an average annual snowfall of around 20 inches (50 cm).
Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and generally pleasant weather conditions. However, spring can be quite rainy, and fall can bring occasional storms and strong winds. Overall, Wilmington's climate is influenced by its location in the Mid-Atlantic region, which experiences a mix of continental and oceanic weather patterns.
Wilmington Geography
Wilmington is located in New Castle County, in the northern part of the state of Delaware, in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The city is situated on the banks of the Christina River, which flows into the Delaware River and ultimately into the Atlantic Ocean.
Wilmington covers an area of approximately 17 square miles (44 square kilometers), with a population of around 70,000 people. The city is the largest in the state of Delaware, and serves as an important economic and cultural center for the region.
The landscape of Wilmington is characterized by rolling hills and forests, with many parks and natural areas located throughout the city. The Brandywine Creek State Park, for example, is located just north of Wilmington and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center.
The city is also home to a number of historic sites and landmarks, including the Old Swedes Church and the Delaware Historical Society, both of which are located in the downtown area. The Wilmington Riverfront, located along the Christina River, is a popular area for shopping, dining, and entertainment, and features a number of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Overall, Wilmington's geography is shaped by its location along the Christina River and its history as a center of industry and commerce in the region.