Wilmington, Delaware
The capital of Delaware, Wilmington is a wonderful place to live, play and call home. Acclaimed for its lovely tree-lined streets and inspiring Victorian architecture, the city is a popular stop for many relocating to the area. Wilmington’s low-tax structure has helped attract an assortment of corporations to the area, providing jobs for residence. Those moving to Wilmington, will discover a community that is thriving with arts, culture and various educational opportunities.
History:
Wilmington's population blossomed in 1812, following the Revolutionary War. To accommodate the population boom, the town stretched westward and streets were widened to accommodate traffic. Five turnpikes were built in the city between 1808 and 1815, which drastically increased the city’s trade industry. Steamboats ran frequently between Wilmington and Philadelphia, as did stagecoaches carrying passengers and freight. One of the earliest railroads in the U.S., the Newcastle and Frenchtown Railway, opened in 1831. By this time, Wilmington’s population had grown drastically, and the citizens petitioned legislature to incorporate the town as a city. In 1832, the charter was approved. World War I kept all available industrial plants busy, with blast furnaces and shipyards operated. When other chemical companies moved into the region, Wilmington earned its name as "The Chemical Capital of the World." This expansion brought vast wealth to the area, and in the decades after World War II, the city experienced another large increase in population. Like many American cities, Wilmington has experienced a steady stream of residents leaving the city for the suburbs. The migration of the middleclass left the city to the urban poor, creating new challenges for the city. Today, the city of Wilmington is dealing effectively with the problem of urban safety. Since the mid-90s, more than $1 billion has been invested in major downtown redevelopment and restoration projects.
Economy:
Wilmington’s largest employers include service industries such as health care, banking, trade and manufacturing. The Wilmington area is home to some of the world's most important technology companies, such as DuPont, AstraZeneca, Incorporated and Andersen Consulting. The Delaware Technology Park is home to more than 50 technology-driven businesses. Delaware is a national corporate center, and more than half of the Fortune 500 companies house their operations in the city because of the state's favorable corporate franchise tax laws. And, more than 60 banks are located in the Wilmington alone. American Life Insurance Company's world headquarters is a notable anchor in the city's emergent Christina Gateway, a commercial hub encompassing the eastern segment to the waterfront. Chase Manhattan, as have First Union, Wilmington Trust, First USA and Beneficial National Bank has invested millions of dollars in downtown offices.
Tourism:
Begin your adventure at Wilmington’s Riverfront. There you will find everything from outlet shops to restaurants to contemporary art -- even the Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball team call Riverfront Wilmington home. Next, head over to Old Town hall. Located on Market Street, this historic landmark served as the center of political and social activity during Wilmington's infancy. Or, check out Willington Square, a self-centered plaza featuring six restored 18th-century houses. For family fun, the Brandywine Zoo is located in beautiful Brandywine Park in Wilmington. Originally called the Wilmington Zoo, it was founded in 1905 and is Delaware's only zoo. The zoo grounds cover 13 landscaped acres on high ground above the Brandywine River. The zoo hosts 150 animals from tigers to snakes, and is open year-round. For the arts, the DuPont Theatre, formerly The Playhouse Theatre, presents national touring productions of Broadway shows, and is the oldest continuously operating theatre in the country.
Colleges/Universities:
• Springfield College School
• Delaware College-Art & Design
Interesting Facts:
• The city was named after Dover in England.
• The city has no tax for shopping, dining or entertainment.
• Delaware is the site of Dover Air Force Base, which houses the world's largest air cargo planes.
Helpful Links:
• Wilmington Real Estate
• Wilmington Storage Facility
• Wilmington Insurance
• Wilmington Dental Offices
• Wilmington Moving Companies