City history
Explore the historical timeline and timekeeping evolution of Wilmington, Delaware, from its origins in the New Sweden colony to its status as a modern industrial hub.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Settlement of Sweden"
The region was part of the New Sweden colony established along the Delaware River before becoming Wilmington.
Swedish settlement
The area was under Swedish colonial administration along the Delaware River.
Named after the Duke of Wilmington
The name was officially adopted to honor Henry Pelham, the 1st Duke of Wilmington.
Chapter two
Railroad companies implemented standard time zones, aligning Wilmington with Eastern Standard Time.
The federal government standardized the observance of daylight saving time across the United States.
Chapter three
The establishment of New Sweden on the Delaware River marks the beginning of European presence in the region.
The settlement was formally named Wilmington, honoring the Duke of Wilmington.
Wilmington was formally incorporated, establishing a structured local government.
Major rail lines connected Wilmington to the Northeast Corridor, accelerating regional growth.
Wilmington entered a period of rapid industrial growth driven by chemical and manufacturing sectors.