Happy 235th Birthday Home of the Red, White, and Blue!!

Today I am back at work at the New Castle Historical Society after a nice and refreshing weekend celebrating Independence Day. It seemed appropriate to blog on this first day of the workweek because Independence and the Revolutionary War play such an integral part in the history of New Castle, some of which I want to share with you today.

On June 15, 1776 the Delaware General Assembly passed a resolution stating that Delaware was fighting in the American Revolution. Today every June on the first Saturday Delaware and particularly New Castle celebrate Separation Day in honor of Delaware being the first state to separate from England.

Delaware was home of three signers of the Declaration of Independence: Thomas McKean, Caesar Rodney, and George Read I. In perhaps one of the most famous events in Delaware's history, Caesar Rodney rushed to Philadelphia in July of 1776 in time to break the deadlock in Delaware's vote for Independence, because George Read voted against it during the July 2nd vote. While Read was a leading opponent to British taxes, he was worried that Delaware was not quite ready to separate from England. Nevertheless, once the decision to declare independence was made, Read also signed the document.

(George Read I)

In New Castle, George Read is perhaps most revered for being a signer of all three great state papers: the Olive Branch Petition of 1775, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of 1787. Read was incredibly influential in convincing Delaware's leaders to adopt the Constitution, and Delaware became the First State by approving the Constitution on December 7, 1787, a designation Delaware holds onto proudly even today.

This is just one story that I am working into my tour as the summer progresses. Sometimes there is a tendency to emphasize the Revolutionary and Federal periods while discussing the town because they are perhaps the most recognized by visitors. But the town has so much more history, 235 years worth in fact. In addition, it is important to see the shades of gray in every story, like that of George Read I who was conflicted regarding whether he was making the right decision or not, and what the outcome would be.

Sources:

1. Image from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GeorgeRead.gif

2. Fradin, Denis Brindell. The Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence. New York: Walker & Company, 2002.