Background
Delaware was founded in 1638 by Peter Minuit. It was a proprietary colony. One of its principal settlements was Wilmington. Located along the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Delaware's swampy grounds made agriculture possible. Wheat, grain, and rice were farmed in the Middle Colonies. Delaware was mainly founded because of the trade and agricultural opportunities presented. The soil was obviously fertile enough to farm on and forests made manufacturing and lumber possible.
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People
Peter Minuit created the first Swedish government in the New World which was located in Delaware. He made new policies and promoted the Delaware Colony in order to get the Swedish Company on board with buying the land to build on. James, the Duke of York, was the king in the 1600s who made a port between the Delaware and Connecticut Rivers. He was Lord High Admiral and helped to create religious liberty, which was an admirable trait within the new colonies.
Relgious Affiliations & Implications
In Delaware, Protestantism was favored. However, religious tolerance also led to others religiouns being practiced. Quakers, Catholics, Jews, and others were given the ability to practice their ideas without being hated for it.
Economics
Delaware was known for its surplus of wheat, barley, and rye. The colony made money from cash crops and was recognized as one of the Bread Basket Colonies. The colony also made money by the exportation of beef, pork, and butter or large deposits of iron ore.
Primary Source
Peter Minuit, founder of Delaware, writes with a hopeful tone to the authorities in terms of beginning a new Swedish colony after Delaware was established and thriving in order to get input on the beginning of any new colonies that may arise.
Modern Connections
The United States sometimes ignores the small state of Delaware, but the once colony had great impacts on similar colonies. The most recognized connection was between Delaware and Pennsylvania due to their close locations and similar traits with trading styles.