Wilmington, DE was founded at the site of Fort Christina, which was established in 1638 by the New Sweden Company. The present town was laid out by some of William Penn's Quakers in 1731. These wealthy Quakers guided Wilmington into an important market and shipping center.
Industrial growth was due to accessibility to other eastern ports and abundant waterpower in the Brandywine River Valley.
In the early 19th century, Wilmington became the home of E. I. Du Pont and his two sons, who saw a need for high-quality gunpowder, and in 1803 produced their first barrel of Du Pont powder, and later became a major company in this field.
Being a part of the first settlements of America, the area abounds in museums and historic sites.
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