First State National Monument

Forget the deep state. This is the First State. As in the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution back in 1787. This series of seven sites are a great intro to the history of Delaware.

Beaver Valley encompasses 1,100 acres of fertile agricultural lands. Winding roads and 200-year-old farmsteads make this an idyllic place for a vacation.

Fort Christina has such a gentle name. Swedish and Finnish settlers landing on this spot named it in honor of Queen Christina. The annual Pirate Fest is an arrr-ful lot of fun in the summer. Grab a picnic lunch under a shade tree or fish for your supper off the shore.

Declare your independence at the New Castle Courthouse. This is where Delaware voted to become an independent state in 1776, separating from both Britain and Pennsylvania. This tiny state sure had big ideas. This declaration happened a full two weeks before July 4, 1776.

John Dickinson Plantation was the home of, you guessed it, John Dickinson. He was the man who helped write the Declaration of Independence. His writings spurred the colonies to revolt and inspired a new nation to break away from England.

Delaware has plenty of gorgeous scenery among its three counties, especially during peak fall foliage times. Campsites put you near a ton of historic sites and natural wonders. Not bad for a state barely large enough to contain the huge history that happened here.