Delaware Colony History By Delaware Colony Jan 1, 1600 Origin of the State-named after Delaware River Aug 28, 1609 Henry Hudson was the founder of Delaware Bay and River Apr 9, 1631 Dutch founded the first European settlement in Delaware. 1631-Dutch founded the first European settlement in Delaware. Jun 1, 1638 Swedish settlement was led by Peter Minuet 1638-Swedish settlement was led by Peter Minuet who started the New Sweden colony Mar 4, 1681 William Penn recives land grant to Pennsylvania 1681-William Penn revises land grant to Pennsylvania Jan 1, 1698 Holy Trinity Church in Delaware was built. Jul 4, 1776 United States Declaration of Independence Dec 7, 1787 Delaware was the first state to become part of the union Jan 1, 2013 Dover is the present day capital of Delaware
