Like most east coast cities, Wilmington has evolved for over 350 years. Following periods of Swedish (1638), Dutch (1655), and British (1664) colonization, the area stabilized under British rule (with Quaker influence) and was granted a borough charter in 1739 by the King of England. The city was originally named Willington after its first developer, Thomas Willing. However, the name was changed to Wilmington, perhaps in honor of Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, who was a favorite of the King of England. As the town grew steadily from its charter date until the Revolutionary War, it became a prosperous commercial and residential community. Wilmington was particularly strategic during the revolution due to its milling industry, geographical location, key leaders, and resources. Consequently, the city flourished owing to these factors. For instance, Wilmington's residential spaces and the city limits gained development after establishing the first horsecar line in 1864. As a result, the first "suburban" neighborhood was built around today's Delaware Avenue, an area in Wilmington. Wealthy industrialists and businessmen built ornate mansions on this street, making it the city's most fashionable address. William Bancroft, a successful Wilmington businessman who was influenced by Frederick Law Olmsted's work and concerned with preserving open parkland in Wilmington, led the charge to establish a comprehensive park system in the late nineteenth century. His generous land donation and efforts resulted in the establishment of Rockford Park and Brandywine Park.

Wilmington has a ton of fun activities to keep you entertained, even if it is mid-week. Regardless of what you're looking for, you've come to the perfect location for when and how you intend to spend your time. Some activities to consider include:

Dupont Environmental Education Center (DEEC)
The DEEC is a wildlife sanctuary where the city, river, and marsh meet. It is also a 10-acre garden park with a flower garden path, a quarter-mile pond looping through a freshwater marsh, and a four-story education center with panoramic views.

First State National Historical Park
Walking down these cobblestone streets allows you to absorb a wealth of colonial history. The New Castle Court House Museum, built-in 1732, served as Delaware's first court and state capitol. Portraits, furniture, artifacts, and decorative arts are some of the spectacles on display.

The museum also offers guided tours and exhibitions. If exhibitions aren't your thing, then Delaware's courts and Assembly and its social, cultural, archaeological, and Underground Railroad history will captivate you.

Museums and Galleries
The Delaware Art Museum is renowned for its exquisite and extensive collection of English pre-Raphaelite paintings and its collection of American art and illustrations, which includes work by Wilmington-born artist Howard Pyle, among other things. Still in the city, you can find masterpieces by artist Andrew Wyeth on the walls of the Brandywine River Museum of Art.

Zoos And Nature Centers
There are a few zoos in Wilmington. For example, you can discover the native wildlife of the Delaware River Estuary at the DuPont Environmental Education Center or go hawk spotting inside the Ashland Nature Center.

The Brandywine Zoo is also worth visiting, with animals such as llamas, tigers, and red pandas all living within its walls. Indeed, you'll find it to be a fascinating experience. Over 100 animals live at the nearly century-old zoo, conveniently located just minutes away from downtown Wilmington and offers various family programs throughout the year.