March 2, 2009

Wilmington and Western Historic Railroad Wins State Quarters Vote

WILMINGTON – The Wilmington and Western Historic Railroad received the most votes in the contest to help select which site will represent Delaware in the next state quarter series, Gov. Jack Markell and U.S. Rep Michael Castle announced Monday.

A write-in candidate, the railroad received 3,769 votes. The runner-ups were the New Castle Court House (2,477 votes), Howard High School (2,189 votes) and the Old State House (1,620 votes). These four sites have been forwarded to the U.S. Mint, which will make the final decision.

"These four selections span several important eras in Delaware's history and illustrate what a critical role Delaware has played in key moments of America's past," Markell said. "We have a long and proud history here in Delaware, and we look forward to sharing that storied history with the nation."

More than 25,000 votes were cast in the contest, which is part of the United States Mint's latest series of state quarters. Following up on the 1999 50-state quarter release, this initiative calls on states and territories to design one landmark to appear on the new set of quarters, which will be released beginning in 2010. Five quarters will be released each year.

"The sites selected to choose from are those that Delawareans hold most dear to showcase our heritage to the country," said Rep. Castle, author of legislation to create this and the original state quarters program. "Aside from the historic value and excitement surrounding these quarters, many do not realize that the original state quarters program, recently named the most successful coin program in U.S. history, raised over 3 billion dollars in revenue for the federal government. I am encouraged, judging by interest thus far in the site selection process, that this program will generate the same level of enthusiasm, and revenue, as the original 50 State Quarters Program."

Established in 1867, the Wilmington and Western Historic Railroad is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The railroad began hauling freight and passengers and now carries thousands of Delawareans and out-of-state visitors who want to enjoy the local scenery and learn more about the region's history.

The New Castle Court House, where Delaware's founding fathers decided to separate from Great Britain and Pennsylvania, was the site where first Delaware state constitution was adopted in 1776. Then, nearly 70 years later, the courthouse gained prominence as the site where staunch abolitionists -- John Hunn and Thomas Garrett -- were prosecuted for their belief that no human being could be owned by another.

Howard High School in Wilmington was one of the schools that was involved in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case that struck down the horribly flawed "separate but equal" notion and integrated public schools across the country.

The Old State House in Dover was completed in 1791 and served as the General Assembly's home for more than 140 years.