While Trenton is home to a number of natural resources, there are few more striking than the majesty and mystery of the Delaware River. From its unique ecological landscape to its profound historical significance, it is safe to say that our city would not be what it is without access to this wondrous waterway. While you may know the basics of this natural beauty, the dozens of delightful facts and discoveries about the Delaware River cannot possibly be numbered. Today, let’s take a deeper dive on the Delaware River and learn a bit more about how this river has made its impact through the ages.

What’s in a name? The namesake of the Delaware River is for Thomas West, Virginia’s first royal governor. In addition to his role as royal governor, West was also the 3rd Baron De La Warr, from which the name Delaware was born. While born in England, West would travel between the United Kingdom and Virginia in order to carry out his work in the New World. Thomas West was best known for his significant stake in the London Company, of which he was the largest investor. As investors, he was granted two charters to settle the region. Due to his prominent role, he was also appointment lifelong governor and captain-general of the Virginia settlement. As Thomas West played a profound role in the development of the Delaware watershed, it is no surprise that he would ultimately became the namesake of the bay, river, state, and more, where his name lives on today.

The Delaware River covers a wide swath of land, stretching from the high-reaching hills of the Catskills Mountains in New York to the Delaware Bay. The river stretches five states in total, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, and Maryland. As the Delaware River traverses throughout a variety of environments, this diversity of landscape has set the stage for an ecological wonderland. From hundreds of species of birds to a thriving and diverse population of fish, there are countless creatures waiting to be discovered along the banks of the Delaware River. Due to its unparalleled access to wildlife, the Delaware River has became a world-wide destination for birders, fishers, hikers, and all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.

Beyond its natural beauty and historic significance, the Delaware River also plays a practical and pivotal role in the survival of its surrounding communities. In total, more than 15 million people rely on the Delaware River for their drinking water. That’s approximately 5% of all individuals in the United States! While there are countless reasons to steward the Delaware River well, its vital role in proving our community with fresh, viable water is perhaps the most crucial. We can help to protect these ecosystems by being mindful of our consumption, participating in river cleanups, disposing of our waste properly, and using our platforms to advocate for this important waterway. We hope today’s exploration of the Delaware River has left you feeling inspired, invigorated, and with a newfound appreciation for one of our community’s greatest gems.

The post Historic Happenings: The Delightful Discoveries of the Delaware River first appeared on TrentonDaily.