Newark, Delaware

Newark, the state’s third largest city is a city located in New Castle County west of south Wilmington. It is approximately 45 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 55 miles from Baltimore, Maryland. According to the 2006 Census Bureau Newark boasts a population of 30,060. Newark, the home to the University of Delaware http://www.udel.edu/ sports the infamous Main Street that is rich in Delaware history.

Founded by Scots-Irish and Welsh settlers in 1694 the town received a charter from George II of Great Britain in 1758. After settlement the area began to serve travelers on route from the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, Maryland and Philadelphia. Schools have always played a large role in Newark as today, it is home to the University of Delaware. In 1765 the Newark Academy was relocated and the first graduates from the school included three signers of the Declaration of Independence, George Read, Thomas McKean and James Smith.

During the Revolutionary War, British and American forces fought just outside of Newark at the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge. This is the only battle to be fought in Delaware and it is thought that this was the first battle at which the Starts and Stripes were flown. Other historical relevance includes the Deer Park Tavern Restaurant, which is rumored to once have been the watering hole of literary legend Edgar Allan Poe.

In 1833, the state granted a charter to a school that was call Newark College. Newark Academy and Newark College joined together to become the Delaware College. Forced to close in 1859 it would later reopen 11 years later as a joint venture between the State of Delaware and the School’s Board of Trustees. In 1913, it came into sole ownership of the State of Delaware and would be later renamed the University of Delaware in 1921.

The University of Delaware which now enrolls over 20,000 students offers world-class programs in business, chemical engineering, chemistry and biochemistry. In 2006, University of Delaware’s engineering program was ranked number 10 in the nation by The Princeton Review. The 23 varsity sports teams compete in the NCAA and are known as the Fightin’ Blue Hens.

Close to the Maryland and Pennsylvania state lines, residents are able to escape to the picturesque farmland and public parkland surrounding the City. There is lots of parkland for residents to sprawl out on, but the largest parks in the area include the Iron Hill Park, White Clay Creek State Park, White Clay Creek Preserve, Middle Run natural Area, Walter S. Carpenter State Park and the Windy Mill Park. These parks are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horse back riding and other recreational activities.

The Christina School District and the Red Clay Consolidated School District are public school districts that serve the residents of Newark. Within the city limits is Newark High School which has served the community since 1893, it is the third largest public high school in the state. Other schools include Glasgow High School and Christiana High School.

The center of Newark is a lively place due in large part to the students of University of Delaware. Much of the city’s economy revolves around the University. Main Street is considered a popular hangout with the plentiful shops, restaurants and night life entertainment. People that have truly experienced Newark for all that it is worth have attended the popular Winterfest, Newark Night, the Memorial parade, a Fightin’ Blue Hen football game, and have strolled across the University of Delaware’s mall ad admired the architecture on campus.

Other Newark attractions include the Paul R. Jones collection of African-American Art, the Delaware Mineralogical Museum, the Iron Hill Museum, and the Hale-Byrnes House which is the historical meeting place between General George Washington and his staff following the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge.

Within a stone’s throw of Newark is the Christiana Mall, Delaware’s largest shopping Mall. Serviced by both SEPTA and AMTRAK residents are able to commute to Wilmington, Philadelphia and Baltimore with ease.

Websites of Interest