The largest city in Delaware is Wilmington with a population of 70,851, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This city was founded in the mid-17th century and named after Spencer Compton, the British Earl of Wilmington. Wilmington is at the northern tip of Delaware and approximately 90 minutes from Philadelphia, and New York City. This city is on the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine River, and the Delaware-Pennsylvania border is a 10-minute drive from the downtown district. Wilmington is home to the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge and the Grand Opera House.
Dover is the capital of Delaware and located in the central region of the state. This city has a population of 36,047 people, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, making it the state's second-largest city. Dover was founded in the late 17th century by William Penn. This city was the hometown of Caesar Rodney, a Continental Army officer during the American Revolutionary War. The major highways passing through Dover are State Highway 1 and U.S. Highway 13. Dover is home to the Biggs Museum of American Art and the Dover Downs, a racetrack for harness horse racing.
Delaware's third-largest city is Newark, which has a population of 31,454, according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau. Newark is less than 20 minutes west of Wilmington and rests on the Delaware-Maryland and Delaware-Pennsylvania state borders. This city was founded in the late 17th century by Scot-Irish and Welsh settlers. Newark is at the confluence of the Christina River and White Clay Creek. The University of Delaware, the largest school in the state, is in Newark. Interstate 95, or the Delaware Turnpike, runs past the southern edge of Newark, while northern Newark features White Clay Creek State Park.
Middletown is the fourth-largest city in Delaware. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau counted this city at 18,871 residents. This city is approximately 45 minutes south of Wilmington and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway passes through Middletown. Middletown was first settled in 1675, but was not incorporated as a city until 1861. The City of Middletown hosts annual events throughout the year, including Big Ball Marathon on Labor Day weekend and the Olde Tyme Peach Festival in August.