Historic District
The Delaware City Historic District is a nationally recognized historic district encompassing over 250 properties and structures in Delaware City. In the early 1980’s, local volunteers, assisted by professional consultants, surveyed all the structures in Delaware City and prepared a nomination form which outlined the long and rich history of the City and it’s significant historic resources. The District was formally recognized by the National Park Service in 1983. Mayor & Council adopted Ordinance 4014 in 1985 creating the Delaware City Historic Preservation Commission and establishing protections for historic properties in the District. The ordinance is now Chapter 49 of the Delaware City Code and has been amended on several occasions.
Although no properties in Delaware City are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, all structures noted as “contributing” to the Delaware City Historic District are considered to be listed on the National Register and are afforded the same rights, responsibilities, and protections as individually listed properties. In particular, any contributing property is eligible for applicable federal and state Historic Preservation Tax Credits.
All structures over 50 years old are eligible for listing on the National Register. As a Certified Local Government (CLG), Delaware City is authorized to nominate properties for individual listing, or to alter the boundaries of the Historic District, subject to approval by the state Historic Review Board and the National Park Service. Delaware City achieved CLG status in 2006.
In November, 2011, a Waterfront Interpretive Exhibit was installed in Battery Park. The Battery Park Interpretive Sign Project has been financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior through a grant from the Historic Preservation Fund. However, contents and opinions contained in the signage text do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of Interior. Panel 1 C&D Heronry; Panel 2 Coastal Defense Forts; Panel 3 Waterfront; Panel 4 Building C&D Canal; Panel 6 Lock; Panel 7 History; Panel 8 Fishing. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the US Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20240.
