📷 https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/de0116.sheet.00000a, Public domainNew Castle Historic District
New Castle, DE
A colonial riverfront town of cobblestone streets, brick row houses and a green laid out in the seventeenth century. Walk from the Green to the Battery Park promenade on the Delaware River.
New Castle's Historic District goes back to the Dutch: in 1651 Peter Stuyvesant founded Fort Casimir here, and in 1664 the English took over the settlement and renamed it New Castle. William Penn first set foot in America at this spot in 1682, and in 1776–77 New Castle briefly served as the capital of Delaware. The district covers about 38 hectares (95 acres), has seen few modern intrusions, and shows buildings from the colonial period through the Federal style.
At its heart is the Green, a public square since Dutch times. Around it stand the 1732 Court House Museum, Immanuel Episcopal Church, the Academy and the Arsenal. Well-known houses in the district include the Old Dutch House (1698–1704) and the George Read House (1797–1801). Allow two to three hours for a walking tour; the streets are narrow, so park on the edge of the center.
- Nearest town
- New Castle, DE
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.6620, -75.5659
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camp Country CenterCampsite11 mi from New Castle Historic District
- Four Seasons Family CampgroundCampsite16 mi from New Castle Historic District
- Bridgeport Speedway CampgroundMotorhome stopover17 mi from New Castle Historic DistrictMotorhomes
- Adventure Bound Tall PinesCampsite17 mi from New Castle Historic District
- Woodlands Camping ResortCampsite18 mi from New Castle Historic DistrictTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterDogs allowed
- Philadelphia/West Chester KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover20 mi from New Castle Historic DistrictTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Delaware · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is New Castle Historic District?
New Castle Historic District is in New Castle, DE, at GPS 39.6620, -75.5659. It is about 15 mi from Kennett Square.
Can you camp near New Castle Historic District?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lums Pond Youth Camping, about 10 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near New Castle Historic District?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hagley Museum (8 mi), Brandywine Creek State Park (10 mi), Winterthur (10 mi) and Brandywine Museum of Art (14 mi).
When is the best time to visit New Castle Historic District?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)