Founded by the early Swedes in the 17th century, the head of the Christiana River was an important landing point for the early settlers. As early as 1686 there was a bridge here, giving rise to its early name, Christiana Bridge. It was along the Kings Road from Philadelphia to Baltimore, and George Washington often stopped here to rest or for a meal. During the Revolutionary War, Colonial troops landed here to fight back a British invasion at Cooches' Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle in Delaware. In the 19th century, it was bypassed by both the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and the early railroads, so the town passed into some obscurity. It remains today a little Williamsburg, a colonial crossroads still intact and reminding us of a quieter time in our past.
Feel free to join or contribute to our preservation efforts, by contacting me at kendigger@aol.com, or by writing to me at the Christiana Historical Society, P. O. Box 6031, Stanton, DE 19804-6031.
