What is the history of the Delaware River?
At the time of the arrival of the Europeans in the early 17th century, the area near the Delaware River was inhabited by the Native American Lenape people. They called the Delaware River "Lenape Wihittuck", which means "the rapid stream of the Lenape".
How did Delaware get its name?
It has often been reported that the river and bay received the name "Delaware" after English forces under Richard Nicolls expelled the Dutch and took control of the New Netherland colony in 1664. However, the river and bay were known by the name Delaware as early as 1641.
Why upper Delaware Scenic and recreational river?
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River provides ample opportunities to become part of "America's Best Idea." Summer is a wonderful time to come and visit your national parks and especially Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.
What is it like to fish the Delaware River?
Canoe through rapids and quiet pools as the Delaware River winds its way through a valley of swiftly changing scenery or fish amid rolling hills and riverfront villages in one of the finest fishing rivers in the northeastern United States.
See more
Did Henry Hudson explore the Delaware River?
The English erroneously thought that he had discovered the river, but there's no evidence that West ever saw or visited the Delaware. The Delaware River was actually first explored by Henry Hudson (ca. 1570–ca.
When was the Delaware River discovered?
1609Henry Hudson was the first European to discover the Delaware River. Hudson was part of the Dutch East India Trading Company and was not looking for the river when he found it in 1609. His discoveries allowed Dutch and Swedish settlers to flourish along the river.
Who explored the Delaware Bay?
Henry HudsonConsidered one of the world's famous explorers, Henry Hudson was born in England circa 1565. He spent his career searching for different routes to Asia, but he ended up opening the door to further exploration and settlement of North America.
What is Delaware River famous for?
The urban Delaware River is home to globally rare freshwater tidal marshes and the nation's first Urban National Wildlife Refuge and the Delaware Bay boasts the largest breeding population of horseshoe crabs in the world. The Delaware River is well known for its fishing opportunities.
What is the deepest river in the world?
the Congo RiverFrom its tributaries to where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, the massive river includes rapids, wetlands, floodplains, lakes and swamps. In addition, the Congo River is the world's deepest recorded river at 720 feet (220 meters) deep in parts — too deep for light to penetrate, The New York Times reported.
Can you swim in the Delaware River?
Swimming is a popular activity at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Three beaches provide easy access to swim in the river.
Who was the first to discover Delaware?
The first European colony in the Delaware Valley was established by Swedish settlers in 1638. Between 1698 and 1699, the descendants of these early colonists constructed Old Swedes Church (also known as Holy Trinity Church), which is one of the oldest houses of worship in America still in use.
How deep is the water in the Delaware Bay?
32 feetBordered mainly by marshy lowlands, the bay is an important link in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. It serves Philadelphia to the north by means of a channel in the Delaware River that is 32 feet (10 m) deep and 600 feet (180 m) wide.
Who was the Delaware River named after?
After the English expelled the Dutch and took control of the New Netherland colony in 1664, the river was renamed Delaware after Sir Thomas West 3rd Baron De La Warr, an English nobleman and the Virginia colony's first royal governor who defended the colony during the First Anglo-Powhatan War.
Is Delaware River water clean?
Today, the clean-up of the Delaware is hailed as one of the world's top water quality success stories. The river now supports year-round fish populations, as well as those returning to their natal waters to spawn.
Can you fish in the Delaware River?
Anglers can fish from shoreline to shoreline in the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey with a license from either state.
What happened on the Delaware River?
George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River, which occurred on the night of December 25–26, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, was the first move in a surprise attack organized by George Washington against Hessian forces (German auxiliaries in the service of the British) in Trenton, New Jersey, on the ...
How was the Delaware River formed?
Repeated glaciations (ice ages) during the Pleistocene Epoch (2 million to approximately 20,000 years ago) scoured and reshaped the landscape of northeastern United States, including Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
How many people get drinking water from the Delaware River?
Just over 13 million people (about four percent of the nation's population) rely on the waters of the Delaware River Basin for drinking, agricultural, and industrial use, including those in Philadelphia and New York City.
Where does the Delaware River originate?
West Branch Delaware RiverMount JeffersonDelaware River/Sources
How did the Delaware River get its name?
After the English expelled the Dutch and took control of the New Netherland colony in 1664, the river was renamed Delaware after Sir Thomas West 3rd Baron De La Warr, an English nobleman and the Virginia colony's first royal governor who defended the colony during the First Anglo-Powhatan War.
When was the Benjamin Franklin Bridge built?
Designed by architect and engineer Paul Cret, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was once the world's longest suspension bridge. Built in 1926, visitors can cross by foot or bike via a popular pedestrian and bikeway.
What is the Independence Seaport Museum?
Founded in 1960, it is home to one of the largest maritime art and artifact collections in North America and is a key component of the city's waterfront renaissance. Current exhibits include Navigation , Rescues on the River, and World War I: USS Olympic.
Natural Features & Ecosystems
The biological diversity coupled with the low levels of pollution contribute to the high quality of life and scenic value of the valley.
Learn About the Park
Looking for more information? Explore this section for information about Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.
Get Involved
Want to get involved? Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River provides ample opportunities to become part of "America's Best Idea."
Top Ten Tips For Your Visit
Summer is a wonderful time to come and visit your national parks and especially Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.