Delaware History Highlights National Champion Swimmers and Underground Railroad Memorial

The News Journal archives feature stories on Wilmington High School's swimming victory and a new plaque commemorating the state's role in the Underground Railroad.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:07pm

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The Delaware history column in The News Journal highlights several notable events from the state's past, including the Wilmington High School swimming team winning the national inter-scholastic championship in 1926 and the upcoming installation of a plaque in Wilmington to commemorate Delaware's role in the Underground Railroad during slavery.

Why it matters

These historical events showcase Delaware's rich history, from its athletic achievements to its role in the abolitionist movement. The swimming victory and Underground Railroad memorial highlight the state's pride in its past and efforts to preserve important moments and figures.

The details

In 1926, the Wilmington High School swimming team won the national inter-scholastic championship at Northwestern University in Illinois. A self-appointed committee planned a banquet to honor the team's achievement, with reservations available for $3 per plate. The team's victory was celebrated with a school holiday. Additionally, a new plaque will be erected in Wilmington's Peter Spencer Plaza to commemorate Delaware's role in the Underground Railroad. The two-foot-by-three-foot bronze emblem will feature images of Thomas Garrett, who helped over 2,700 slaves escape, and Harriet Tubman, who led hundreds of slaves to freedom. The project is sponsored by the Wilmington branch of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, funded by a $5,000 grant from the Delaware Bicentennial Commission.

  • In 1926, the Wilmington High School swimming team won the national inter-scholastic championship.
  • In 1974, the Peter Spencer Plaza in Wilmington was named after the founder of the first church in the country entirely controlled by Black people.
  • In the spring of 2026, a plaque commemorating Delaware's role in the Underground Railroad will be erected in the Peter Spencer Plaza.

The players

Wilmington High School swimming team

The Wilmington High School swimming team won the national inter-scholastic championship in 1926.

Thomas Garrett

Garrett helped more than 2,700 slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

Harriet Tubman

Tubman led hundreds of slaves from the South to their freedom through the Underground Railroad.

Wilmington branch of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History

The organization is sponsoring the project to erect a plaque commemorating Delaware's role in the Underground Railroad.

Delaware Bicentennial Commission

The commission provided a $5,000 grant to fund the project to erect the Underground Railroad plaque.

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What they’re saying

“The charm is disappearing.”

— Boyd White, Resident of Magnolia, Delaware

“Rather go out in a boat than a car.”

— Jack Weston, Retiree

What’s next

The plaque commemorating Delaware's role in the Underground Railroad will be erected in the Peter Spencer Plaza in Wilmington in the spring of 2026.

The takeaway

These historical events highlight Delaware's rich history, from its athletic achievements to its pivotal role in the abolitionist movement. The state's efforts to preserve and commemorate these important moments and figures demonstrate a commitment to honoring its past and educating the public about its significant contributions.