Profile (Newark is pronounced as if it is two words: New Ark.)
Newark is a city located in New Castle County, Delaware, 12 miles (19 km) west by south of Wilmington.
In 1900, 1,213 people lived in Newark, Delaware; 1,913 lived here in 1910. As of the 2000 census, the city
had a total population of 28,547. Newark is the home of the University of Delaware.
The racial makeup of the city is 87.29% Caucasian, 6.00% African American, 0.16% Native American,
4.07% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.86% from other races, and 1.57% from two or more races.
2.53% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
History
At the base of the Pennsylvania and Maryland foothills, Scots-Irish and Welsh settlers began, in the early
1700's, to build a small community. The crossroads of the village center, named Newark, followed the
routes of old Indian and fur-trader's paths and served as the road to market for farmers. In 1758, Newark
received a charter from the King of England, and the City was officially established.
Unlike other Delaware communities, Newark's history was significantly shaped by the growth of a school.
In 1765, a grammar school moved here from New London, Pa., and was renamed the Newark Academy.
In 1833, the State granted a charter to a new school, called Newark College. The next year, the two schools
joined together and soon assumed the name Delaware College, becoming the University of Delaware in 1921.
Government
The City of Newark's council-manager, nonpartisan government operates under a home rule charter. A home
rule charter provides self-governance in local matters that do not conflict with state or federal law.
Newark City Council is comprised of six council members and a mayor, each of whom has one vote. The six
council members, elected from separate districts, serve staggered two-year terms. The Mayor, elected at-large,
serves a three-year term. The day for regular elections shall be the second Tuesday in April. The City Council
meets the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Council Chamber, located in the Municipal Building.
The City Manager, appointed by the Mayor & Council, is responsible for day-to-day operation of City departments.
