The history of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Historic Site dates back to 1677, when Swedish, Finnish and German settlers began using the site as a burial ground and for worship services. The site also holds signs of earlier use by the Lenape. The current church building was erected 1698-1700 to replace a temporary structure. The graveyard has been in continuous use since 1677 and contains several early 18th century markers still in-tact. Standing the test of time, Old Swedes Church is one of the very few surviving remnants of the New Sweden Colony in the Delaware Valley, and one of the oldest structures in Delaware. It has borne witness to many major events in U.S. history, including the American Revolution, World Wars I & II, and many more. Many individuals significant to local and national history are buried here.