The University of Delaware has made its home in Newark, just east of the Maryland state line in northern Delaware, since it was founded in 1765. Not far away, at Cooch’s Bridge, is the site of the only battle of the Revolutionary War fought in Delaware, on September 3, 1777. Although the Americans lost, it is said that the battle was the first in which Betsy Ross’ newly designed flag of stars and stripes was flown. The battleground can be seen from a 90-foot observation tower at Iron Hill Park, which is a popular mountain-biking, hiking, and picnicking venue.

The Newark area was settled in the 1690s. It became an iron-making center in the 1700s, and paper and textile mills were later built. It now has about 27,870 residents.

It is located at the junction of Routes 2 and 273, north of I-95 and southwest of Wilmington.