Delaware Public Archives

DELAWARE SNAPSHOT 📸
When a Landmark Left
On July 13, 2020, Wilmington spent its first day without the namesake statue in Rodney Square, where it stood more than a century. The day before, the late Mayor Michael S. Purzycki ordered the 7,500-pound bronze’s removal as a precaution against potential vandalism during nationwide racial justice protests. Rodney is widely condemned as an enslaver at his family plantation near Dover, but also famous for his July 1-2, 1776, ride to Philly to break our state delegates’ tie, voting for independence, and as a Declaration of Independence signer. The National Park Service borrowed his statue, now at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., for America250.
– Compiled by robin brown, Writer in Residence
Delaware Public Archives
Delaware Heritage Commission Collection
Photo: Undated, hand-tinted
ID: 1922-000-001_0338p

Marker Monday: The Delaware Continentals
Wilmington, New Castle County
Learn more - https://archives.delaware.gov/delaware-historical-markers/the-delaware-continentals/

On December 9, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved that a body of troops be raised in Delaware “for the defense of American Liberty.” Commanded by Colonel John Haslet, the Delaware Regiment consisted of more than 500 battle-ready troops when they marched northward to join the Continental Army in August 1776. After expiration of enlistments and Haslet’s death, the Regiment was reorganized in the winter of 1776-77 under the leadership of Colonel David Hall. Participants in many of the major battles of the Revolution, their conduct earned the praise of their superiors and the respect of their enemies. Forced to endure great hardship, the Regiment was widely acclaimed for its discipline and bravery. Greatly depleted in number, they returned to Delaware victorious in January 1783. The Delaware National Guard’s 198th Signal Battalion traces its lineage to the Delaware Continentals, and honors them today through their continued dedication and service.

Marker installed in 2007.