First State NHP

First State National Historic Park covers the early colonial history of Delaware and the role Delaware played in the establishment of the nation, leading up to it being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. It tells the unique story of the early settlement of the Delaware Valley by the Dutch, Swedes, Finns, and English and their relationship with Native Americans. The park consists of a few main sites, The Sheriff's House, located in the historic Brandywine Valley, is one of the oldest courthouses in the country. It was built in 1730 and played a role in a number of important events that shaped the nation. The house is located on land that was purchased by William Poole Bancroft, a Quaker industrialist and conservationist, in the early 1900s. Bancroft's goal was to preserve as much of the scenic Brandywine River Valley as possible so that future generations could enjoy its beauty. Fort Cristina and the Old Swede Church, one of the oldest churches in America dating from 1698, are testament to the oldest Swedish settlements in America. And the John Dickinson house and plantation commemorate the role of Dickinson as author of the Articles of Confederation.