Discovering Wilmington: Delaware's Historic River City
Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, and it is a place filled with rich history, beautiful rivers, and exciting places to explore. Located in the northern part of the state, Wilmington sits right where the Brandywine Creek and the Christina River flow into the massive Delaware River. For hundreds of years, this special location has made the city an important center for travel, trade, and community.
Long before Wilmington became a bustling city, the area was home to the Lenni Lenape Native Americans. In 1638, Swedish settlers arrived and built Fort Christina, which was the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. Over the years, the area changed hands between the Swedish, the Dutch, and the British. Eventually, the town was named Wilmington in honor of Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington. Because Delaware was the very first state to ratify, or officially approve, the United States Constitution, Wilmington holds a proud place in early American history.
- Ratify:
- To give formal or official approval to a document or agreement.
- Settlement:
- A newly established place where people live and build a community.
- Industrial:
- Relating to factories, manufacturing, and businesses that make products.
- Shipyard:
- A place along the water where ships are built, maintained, or repaired.
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- 1Which three bodies of water meet or flow together near Wilmington?
- 2Who were the original Native American inhabitants of the Wilmington area before European settlers arrived?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Discovering Wilmington: Delaware's Historic River City” is a explanatory article reading passage about Wilmington, Delaware, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (380 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.