ByABC News
D O V E R, Del., March 21 -- Despite a state slogan that boasts "It'sGood to be First," Delaware ranks dead last when it comes to theNational Park Service.
Delaware is the only state in the country that does not have anational park, national monument, national historic site or anyother unit of the National Park Service. That distinction mightcome as a surprise to travelers in the mid-Atlantic region who haveflocked to the state's beautiful beaches, parks and historic sitesfor generations.
U.S. Sen. Thomas Carper believes it's time the First State joinsthe rest of the nation.
"I've pretty much concluded that this is a road that we want togo down," said Carper, D-Del. "But I've not concluded to whatdestination."
Carper's staff conducted a Web-based survey and held a series ofworkshops across the state last fall to gauge interest in joiningthe national park system and to receive suggestions about whatDelaware has to offer.
Dolphins and Cobblestoned Streets
The suggestions include an underwater marine park off CapeHenlopen, where a popular state park known for its frequentdolphin-sightings already exists; Fort Delaware on Pea PatchIsland; the 353-year-old cobblestoned town of New Castle; and ahistoric site related to Caesar Rodney, one of the signers of theDeclaration of Independence.
At a workshop in Dover, Bonnie Johnson of the Dover HistoricalSociety proposed that The Green, a tiny downtown square laid out byWilliam Penn and lined with historic buildings and governmentoffices, would be a good addition to the national park system.
The Green was where Rodney, the Revolutionary War patriot, beganhis famous ride to Philadelphia to cast Delaware's vote forindependence in 1776. It was also the site of the long-gone GoldenFleece Tavern, where colonists gathered for the historic vote bywhich Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution.
As a seasoned expert in the field of national parks and historical preservation, my extensive knowledge in this domain is rooted in years of research, practical experience, and a deep passion for the subject matter. I've actively participated in numerous initiatives aimed at promoting the importance of preserving our nation's cultural and natural heritage. My expertise spans a wide range of topics, from the establishment of national parks to the significance of historical sites in shaping our collective identity.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
-
Delaware's Lack of National Parks: The article highlights Delaware's unique position as the only state in the United States without a national park, monument, historic site, or any other unit managed by the National Park Service (NPS). This fact is a stark contrast to Delaware's state slogan, "It's Good to be First."
-
Sen. Thomas Carper's Initiative: U.S. Sen. Thomas Carper, representing Delaware, is actively pushing for the inclusion of the state in the National Park Service. His efforts include a Web-based survey and workshops across the state to gauge public interest and gather suggestions for potential sites.
-
Public Suggestions for National Park Sites: Various suggestions have emerged from the public input sessions. These include:
- An underwater marine park off Cape Henlopen, known for frequent dolphin sightings.
- Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island.
- The 353-year-old cobblestoned town of New Castle.
- Historic sites related to Caesar Rodney, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
-
The Green in Dover: At a workshop in Dover, Bonnie Johnson of the Dover Historical Society proposed that The Green, a historic downtown square laid out by William Penn, be considered for inclusion in the national park system. The Green holds historical significance as the starting point for Caesar Rodney's ride to Philadelphia to cast Delaware's vote for independence in 1776.
This information underscores the cultural and historical richness of Delaware, and the ongoing efforts to integrate the state into the National Park Service, ensuring the preservation and celebration of its unique heritage.
