Delaware National Park proposal introduced

Delaware’s effort to create a national park took a big step forward as the state’s congressional delegation introduced legislation to make it happen.

Delaware’s dubious distinction as the only state without a national park is about to be history.  The companion bills, introduced in the senate and house, provide the framework for the creation of the First State National Historical Park.  Delaware Senator Tom Carper says the state’s park will be centered in historic New Castle.

“The national park service has fallen in love with New Castle.  They love the town of New Castle, and what they want is for New Castle to be the hub, to be sort of  the traditional national park service location in Delaware.  The hub from which the bicycle spokes emanate if you will to attractions throughout the state.”

Those attractions at the end of the spokes, which will span the length of the state, include some private attractions like the Hagley and Winterthur museums, as well as public places like Fort Delaware.  The park will focus on Delaware’s role in American history.  The goal is to open the park by 2011.