This weeks topic is the historical settlement of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The eastern coast of North America was fundamental to european exploration and eventual settlement. Delaware's intriguing history is intertwined with many events dating back to the exploration and settlement by europeans. In order to understand how Rehoboth Beach became what it is today, we must see how Delaware came to be formed and later the events that led to the the formation of Rehobeth Beach.
Prior to european exploration Delaware was inhabited by two Eastern Algonquian Native American Tribes known as the Unami Lenape and the Nanticoke. The Dutch were the first europeans to establish a settlement in present day Delaware.
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| The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, DE |
In 1631, the Dutch established a trading post at Zwaanendael near present day Lewes, Delaware. Rehoboth Beach is a neighboring city to Lewes, and it is likely Dutch settlers explored the areas of present day Rehoboth Beach. However, the settlement was wiped out after clashing with local tribes nearly a year later. In 1638 Sweden established settlements in Delaware, but were conquered by Dutch forces reestablishing settlements in 1655. The Dutch control was short lived however. In 1664, an English fleet conquered the Dutch and took control of the settlements under the orders of The Duke of York. The Delaware provinces were later passed on to William Penn in 1682, who had control over settlements in present day Pennsylvania as well. Delaware remained an English colony from there on until the American Revolution in 1776, at which point they became the 1st state in the United States by being the first to ratify the constitution.
The history of Delaware's Settlement is important to understanding how Rehoboth Beach became the city it is today. The earliest settlers of Rehoboth Beach were Native Americans who traveled to the area in the summer months to enjoy the weather and abundant seafood. Between 1650 and 1675, Dutch and then later English settlers established settlements in the area as farmers. Members of William Penn's early legislatures also resided in the area. In 1873, Reverend Robert W. Todd formed the Rehoboth Camp Meeting Association on 414 acres he purchased.
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| Overhead view of part of the city and beach |
The city was laid out in a fan shape, with wide streets, parks, and specific building lots. The design still remains mostly intact today. The Delaware assembly established a municipality initially naming the territory Henlopen city. However, it was later renamed to Rehoboth Beach and has stayed that way since. The popular boardwalk was built in 1873 between the beach and Surf Ave. and ran the full length of ocean front. Storms, such as the major one in 1962, have affected the boardwalk, but it still stands today and is a mile long. in 1925 a paved highway connected Rehoboth Beach to Georgetown and thus began to link the city via paved roads to Washington D.C. This marked the beginning of many government officials and legislatures taking vacations to Rehoboth Beach. Today, many government officials still vacation in Rehoboth Beach, and because of this, the city has become known as the Nation's Summer Capital. I have made many trips to Rehoboth Beach and can say that it is a very cool city to visit during the summer. The streets are always full with people walking around, and the boardwalk is always popular too. If you can get past the massive crowds of people in the summer, Rehoboth Beach is a very fun and exciting place to visit during the summer. It is amazing to see what it has become and grown into since its humble beginnings hundreds of years ago.
Next weeks Topic will be the Political Economy of Delaware with a focus on Rehoboth Beach specifically.
Until next time,
William
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