Fort Christina
Park Site of Sweden's 1638 New Sweden colony
At Wilmington’s waterfront, Fort Christina marks the 1638 Swedish settlement site; the park and monument draw visitors curious about early colonial history and waterfront museums.
Fort Christina is the site of the first Swedish colonial settlement in North America, established at the mouth of the Christina River in 1638. The location is preserved as a historic site with interpretive markers and a monument commemorating the Swedish colony known as New Sweden.
The original fort and settlement were established by Swedish and Finnish colonists under Peter Minuit and were part of a short-lived colonial presence that ended when the Dutch captured the area in the mid-17th century. The site today interprets that early colonial era for visitors.
Fort Christina sits on the waterfront in present-day Wilmington, Delaware, where the Christina River meets the Delaware River; it is within the city’s historic district and readily accessible from downtown.
- Founding date: Established by Swedish colonists in 1638, it marks the first permanent Swedish settlement in what is now the United States.
What to See #
- Fort Christina site: A small state-managed park and historic site marking the spot of the 17th-century Swedish colonial settlement; includes a monument and interpretive displays about New Sweden.
How to Get to Fort Christina #
Located in Wilmington, Delaware. Reachable by car or local transit; follow signs to the Christina Riverfront and Fort Christina Landing. Ample parking and riverfront walkways nearby.
Tips for Visiting Fort Christina #
- Visit the Christina Landing and the historical marker early in the day to avoid summer heat.
- Pair a Fort Christina visit with the nearby Delaware Riverfront sites and the Hagley Museum for a broader look at colonial-era Delaware.
- Bring a mosquito repellent in warmer months - riverfronts and parklands are marshy.
Best Time to Visit Fort Christina #
Late spring through early autumn favored for comfortable weather and riverfront activities.
Weather & Climate near Fort Christina #
Fort Christina's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1161 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (115 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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