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Dutch colonists settle at Zwaanendael (site of present-day Lewes).
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Johan Printz becomes governor of the New Sweden Colony.
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Peter Stuyvesant, Dutch governor of New Netherland, builds Fort Casimir (now New Castle) just a few miles south of Fort Christina on the Delaware.
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The Dutch defeat the Swedes on the Delaware, ending the New Sweden Colony. Delaware becomes a part of New Netherland.
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Sir Robert Carr drives the Dutch off the Delaware and claims the land for James, Duke of York. Delaware becomes an English colony.
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The Dutch regain control of the Delaware.
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The English regain the Delaware .
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The Duke of York transfers control of the Delaware Colony to English Quaker William Penn.
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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.
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Delaware passes Civil Unions Bill ,
