On June 15, 1776, with independent sentiment spreading throughout the British Colonies, the Three Lower Counties On The Delaware met in New Castle to debate and vote. They voted on that June 15, which is 250 years ago tomorrow, to both separate from the colony of Pennsylvania, and simultaneously declare independence from Britain. Up until that point, the Three Lower Counties were a semi-autonomous area, perhaps similar to how Scotland is semi-autonomous in the United Kingdom. The new place was named "the Delaware State"
Happy 250th birthday, my home state of Delaware!
Separation Day, the day that commemorates that separation from both Pennsylvania and Britain, is celebrated in New Castle on the weekend before the actual day.
I partook in the festivities on both Friday evening and throughout the day Saturday. I'll put the pictures up in sections for various times during the weekend.
Friday was a lighter day, with a block party held at the foot of Delaware Street, at the old wharf site. Today, it is a great spot for a sweeping view of the Delaware River.
Saturday afternoon, a Separation Day parade was held, with the main section in front of the old New Castle Courthouse. This courthouse was the colonial capitol building, and briefly the state capitol building, from 1732 to 1777. It was here, on the upper floor, that separation from Pennsylvania and independence from Britain was voted on.
The parade featured our Governor, our US Representative, and both US Senators. Several state politicians were also in the parade. This is typical of just about every year that they all show up and walk in the parade.
Linear Mode
