Delaware History
The following important events in the history of Delaware affected political jurisdictions, family movements, and record keeping.
1638: Swedes began settling in the Delaware area.
1655: The area was conquered by the Dutch.
1664: Delaware became a British colony.
1682-1776: Pennsylvania's governor controlled much of Delaware, although Delaware had its own provincial assembly after 1703.
1684-1736: The colonial government of Maryland laid claim to southern and western Delaware.
1776: Delaware declared its independence from Britain and established a government separate from that of Pennsylvania.
1787: (December 7,) Delaware became the first state.
1861-1865: During the Civil War, Delaware was a Union state.
One of the best sources for studying Delaware history is:
Scharf, John Thomas. History of Delaware, 1609-1888. Two volumes. Tucson, Arizona: W. C. Cox, 1974. (FHL film 1000154.) An excellent, detailed history with names, dates, and places.
Scharf's book is indexed in:
Coghlan, Gladys M. Index to History of Delaware, 1609-1888. Wilmington, Delaware: Historical Society of Delaware, 1976. (FHL book 975.1 H2s index; fiche 6088424-26.)
Other important histories, many including biographical sketches and name indexes, can be found in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalog under:
DELAWARE - HISTORY
DELAWARE, [COUNTY] - HISTORY
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