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When it all began
Dutch colonists settle at Zwaanendael (site of present-day Lewes). -
Period: to
Delaware Histotical Journey
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Governor
Johan Printz becomes governor of the New Sweden Colony. -
Fort Casimir
Peter Stuyvesant, Dutch governor of New Netherland, builds Fort Casimir (now New Castle) just a few miles south of Fort Christina on the Delaware. -
New Netherlands
The Dutch defeat the Swedes on the Delaware, ending the New Sweden Colony. Delaware becomes a part of New Netherland. -
English colony
Sir Robert Carr drives the Dutch off the Delaware and claims the land for James, Duke of York. Delaware becomes an English colony. -
Dutch regain
The Dutch regain control of the Delaware. -
English regain
The English regain the Delaware . -
Transformation
The Duke of York transfers control of the Delaware Colony to English Quaker William Penn. -
Declare Independence
Delaware Assembly declares independence from England. This is the origin of the holiday called Separation Day. July 1-2: Caesar Rodney makes heroic overnight ride from Dover to Philadelphia to cast the vote that put Delaware on the side of independence. Delaware adopts its first state constitution. -
Recently
Delaware passes Civil Unions Bill ,
