Newark is a city in New Castle County, Delaware. According to the 2010 Census, the population of the city is 31,454. The area of Newark is 8.88 sq miles (23 km²). It encompasses 9 square miles, including downtown Newark’s Historic and Award Winning Main Street – a vibrant shopping, dining and gathering area often filled with college students and locals alike, was honored with the 2011 Great American Main Street Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Newark is the home of the University of Delaware.
Downtown Newark, Delaware: Big town with a small town feel
Get to know Newark, Delaware
Fun Facts
Newark, Delaware was first settled and founded by Scots-Irish and Welsh in 1694. By 1758, the area had developed in to a bustling local market and country crossroads. This caught the attention of King George II, and Newark was officially granted its charter.
What is believed to be the original Stars and Stripes – the 13-star flag sewn by Betsy Ross – was first flown during the 1777 Battle of Cooch’s Bridge in Delaware. It was the only Revolutionary War battle fought in the state. The battlefield, featuring a monument, cannon and plaque, is on Route 4, east of Route 896, in Newark.
Delaware was the first state to ratify the new U.S. Constitution (December 7, 1787) and, thus, earned its title, the “First State.”
The state bird – the Blue Hen, a renowned type of fighting gamecock – accompanied Delaware troops in the Revolutionary War and loaned its name to the soldiers.
The state bug is the Lady Bug – chosen because of its beauty and benefits to agriculture.
One of Newark’s major sources of employment and revenue was the Chrysler’s Newark Assembly Plant, which was built in 1951. Originally constructed to build tanks for the US Army, the plant was 3.4 million square feet in size. The plant stood for more than 50 years, providing jobs and revenue to the state of Delaware.
