Fort Christina-- Part 4: Forts Casimir and Union

The fort's earthworks were strengthened in 1640 for fear of an attack from either the Dutch or Indians.  The Dutch, in the meantime built Fort Casimir, in what is today New Castle, Delaware.

In 1655, Fort Christina was captured by the Dutch after a ten-day siege.

During the American Revolution, Continental forces built a fort at Fort Christina and later, during the War of 1812, Americans constructed Fort Union there.

--Brock-Perry

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

Fort Christina, Wilmington, Delaware-- Part 1: Named for the Queen of Sweden

Fort Union was built on the site of Fort Christina during the War of 1812.

The Swedish built Fort Christina on the banks of the Christina River.  The fort was quickly built for protection against Indians and the Dutch and was named for the queen of Sweden..  It's site is located where the statue is.

--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