Where Did People Live in the Delaware Colony?

Settlement in the Delaware Colony clustered along the Delaware River and Bay, the lifeline for transport, trade, and communication.

• Farms & Plantations: Most colonists lived on dispersed farms along the riverbanks and inland creeks (Christina, Brandywine, Duck Creek, St. Jones). Crops: wheat, corn, flax; livestock: cattle, pigs.
• River Towns: Three main urban centers emerged:
  • New Castle (originally Dutch Fort Casimir): Colonial capital until 1777; major port, court seat.
  • Wilmington (founded 1731 as Willingtown): Milling & shipping hub at Brandywine Creek fall line; became largest town.
  • Dover (laid out 1717): Became capital in 1777; central location, legislative seat.
• Smaller Landings: Lewes (pilot town, Cape Henlopen), Odessa (Cantwell's Bridge), Smyrna (Duck Creek Cross Roads)—served as local market and shipping points.

Settlement thinned westward into the Piedmont and Cypress Swamp. The population remained concentrated in the tidewater corridor.