Year Delaware Colony Founded:
1638
Founded By:
Peter Minuit and the New Sweden Company
Motivation for Founding:
Peter Minuit was Dutch and formed New Sweden as part of New Netherland. When Charles II, King of England gave his brother James, the Duke of York, New Netherland, he demanded and received its surrender. He renamed New Sweden to Delaware.
Significant Events:
- Delaware was a part of Pennsylvania until 1703.
- The colony was governed by Pennsylvania until the Revolutionary War.
Important People:
- Peter Minuit
- James, the Duke of York
