Fort Christina State Park

In the 1600s, several European nations competed to conquer and colonize the east coast of what is now the United States. Fort Christina State Park in Wilmington, Del. memorializes one such attempt by colonists from Sweden. While most know about William Penn’s efforts in the region, many overlook the earlier settlements of the Swedes still present in the area.

Prior attempts by the Swedes to establish a permanent colony in the area had failed due to conflicts with the native inhabitants as well as Dutch colonists competing for land. While the Swedes’ attempt to form a long-lasting colony initially failed, their influence remains in Wilmington in the name of the Christina River, honoring Sweden’s queen. Sources differ regarding the Swedes’ initial settlements in the area, but it seems that the Fort Christina settlement came into existence via a land purchase from the Lenni-Lenape Indians. The Swedes chose this specific spot in hopes of establishing a lucrative pelt trade with the natives along the river.

The fort was later captured by the Dutch and became part of their New Netherland Colony. They renamed the fort as Fort Altena which was then conquered by the British who continued to dominate settlement efforts in the region. Over time, settlement remained limited in this part of Wilmington, instead centered around nearby Market Street. The availability of open land in and around the park has led to several archaeological discoveries, providing more information to modern audiences.

What remains today is now a state park. The park includes a monument to Fort Christina, a vision of Carl Milles, a Swedish artist. (The monument was an official gift from Sweden to the United States.) The park differs significantly from other state parks in the area, specifically Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. The park is gated after daylight.

Enclosed with walls, the park features a lengthy path to the monument and water. The trees along the path are planted in lines; staggered between them are plaques detailing the history of the area. The memorial marks the specific place of the landing of the ships Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel Grip.

- by Tara M. Clapper, Wilmington Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Tara M. Clapper

Tara M. Clapper is a full-time freelance writer residing just outside of Philadelphia. Tara enjoys exploring traditional and historical locations in the city as well as quirky and innovative restaurants and attractions. Tara utilizes her background in academic, service-based and traditional publishing to create insider-perspective articles. Her topics of interest include travel, weddings, Irish American culture, and geek subculture.