Fort Christina-- Part 3: First Swedish Colony at "The Rocks"

From Wikipedia.

Also called Fort Altena.  first Swedish settlement in North America located one mile east of present-day Wilmington, Delaware.  It is at the confluence of the Christina and Brandywine rivers and at a stone outcropping which formed a natural wharf.  These are called "The Rocks."

The expedition to set up the first Swedish outpost was led by Peter Minuit, who also founded New Netherlands.  He ordered the construction of an earthwork fort around "The Rocks."

However, the Dutch claimed land south from New Netherlands to the Delaware River, so conflict was inevitable.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Christina-- Part 2: Site Where Swedes and Finns Came Ashore in 1638

From A History of Delaware:  A Brief History of Fort Christina.

Swedes and Finns stepped ashore at a natural wharf of stone called today "The Rocks."  This was at the Fort Christina National Historic Landmark.  It is located where the Christina River and Brandywine Creek have their confluence.

The colony, called New Sweden prospered because of the fur trade and the settlement increased to 300 people from 1638 to 1655.  Then, it was captured by the Dutch.

Today it is marked by the Swedish Tercentenary Monument and a replica of the Swedish ship Kalmar Nyckel is there.

--Brock-Perry

The Rocks at Fort Christiana Park

From the cardcow site.

The Rocks of Fort Christina Park, Wilmington, Delaware.

Postcard with inscription  "The Rocks believed to be the exact spot where Swedish colonists landed in 1638 and formed New Sweden.  The 25-foot monument  executed by Carl Milles, world famous sculptor, was paid for by subscription by the Swedish people, was presented to the American people by Royal Emissary at the tercentenary celebration in 1938."

You can see "The Rocks" in front of the statue.

I have seen the fort spelled both Christina and Christiana.  Christina would be the correct spelling.

--Brock-Perry

"The Rocks" Delaware

Back on March 14, I mentioned that while Joseph Haslet was Delaware's governor and the British were threatening, an encampment was established at "The Rocks."  I know about "The Rocks" at Wilmington, NC, but not this one.  I did further research.

A strong fortification named Fort Union was built at the "Rocks" which was the site of old Fort Christina.

North America Forts site describes it as a militia fort.

There is a Class A Carolina League team based  in Wilmington, Delaware, called the Blue Rocks, named for the blue granite stone found along the Brandywine River in the Wilmington area.

--Brock-Perry

Delaware's Joseph Haslet, War Governor-- Part 3: Rush to Lewes, Delaware

For protection against the British, an encampment was built at "The Rocks" in Wilmington, Delaware.  Captain Caleb P. Bennett fortified New Castle and Pea Patch Island was deeded over to the U.S. government so that a fort could be built on it.  That fortification eventually became Fort Delaware.

Lewes was particularly vulnerable to the British and received repeated requests/demands for provisions.  These were refused.

Governor Haslet and his militia rushed to the town's defense.

--Brock-Perry