In the Beginning
Formation of the Delmarva Peninsula
Left Column
Delaware is the second smallest state in the country. However, we played an important role in the formation of the nation. Caesar Rodney rode from Lewes to Philadelphia to cast the deciding vote for independence in 1776. We were the first state to ratify the Constitution in 1787.
Piedmont Rocks(Crystaline Rocks):
Metamorphosed (changed by pressure and heat) sedimentary rocks of the ancient North American Continent and adjacent ocean basin.
Wilmington Complex:Igneous(formed by molten rock) and metamorphic rocks of a volcanic island arc that collided with the ancient North American continent during the convergence of tectonic plates (that formed the super coastal continent.)
Atlantic Costal Plain Rocks:
Sedimentary rocks of the Cretaceous Period (230 million to 63 million years ago)deposited over the eroded surface of the metamorphic basement rocks after North America drifted away from Africa and Europe to form the Atlantic Ocean basin.
Center Column
From Pencader Hundred shipping was possible by either the Delaware River or the Chesapeake Bay.
One third of the population of the United States now lives within a day's drive of Pencader Hundred.
The shortest distance overland between the Delaware River Watershed and the Chesapeake Bay was through Pencader hundred which made this area the hub of Mid-Atlantic travel.
The Native Americans used the rivers in the two watersheds to travel from the Piedmont to the Costal Plain for food gathering and the trading of furs and materials such as jasper from Iron Hill. Their trails passed through Pencader.
As European settlements grew into cities, Pencader remained a center point, lying midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore. new York and Washington, Boston and Richmond. Thus, travelers between these early urban centers passed through the area on their way to and from these early centers of commerce. Much of today's commerce follows the same early routes.
Right Column
Fall Line
The Christina drops 350 feet in 15 miles from its source near Kemblesville, Pennsylvania to Smalley's Dam. This provided the water power to operate grist and saw mills.
Marker is at the intersection of Dayetts Mill Road and Old Baltimore Pike, on the right when traveling south on Dayetts Mill Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
